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            Philippines Gov't, MILF Rebels Sign Historic Peace Deal

   The Philippine government and the country`s largest Muslim rebel group
   have signed a historic peace deal to formally end decades of fighting
   that has left over 120,000 people dead.
   Under the deal signed Thursday, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
   (MILF) will give up its weapons in exchange for greater political
   autonomy in the mainly Muslim areas of the southern Mindanao region.
   Speaking at the signing ceremony in Manila, President Benigno Aquino
   hailed the agreement as a "path that can lead to a permanent change in
   Muslim Mindanao."
   "This agreement stands as a testament to how far trust and earnestness
   can move humanity forward. It shows how righteousness, reason and
   goodwill are the mightiest of instruments in ending conflict. It proves
   that the search for common ground is infinitely more productive than
   hegemonic ambition."
   The deal, which is the result of talks that began in 2001, still faces
   a number of obstacles.
   A MILF splinter group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, has
   promised to keep fighting the government until full independence is
   achieved. Abu Sayyaf, a militant Islamist group said to have ties to
   Al-Qaida, also operates in the area.
   The Philippine Congress must also pass a "basic law" to create the
   political framework for the autonomous region, which will be called
   Bangsamoro. Many say the deal must be approved by the end of President
   Aquino`s term in office, which ends in mid-2016.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/philippines-govt-milf-rebels-sign-his
   toric-peace-deal/1880267.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/philippines-govt-milf-rebels-sign-historic-peace-deal/1880267.html