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EU Ambassador Franz Jessen together with EU Member States Ambassadors,
Jan Top Christensen (Denmark), Marion Derckx (Netherlands), Embassy of
Netherlands , Ambassador Harald Fries (Sweden), József Bencze (Hungary), Bita
Rasoulia (Austria), Michel Goffin (Belgium), and Mihai Sion (Romania),
visited Cotabato City from 2 to 3 October 2017 to reiterate the
commitment of the EU to support the peace process and development in Mindanao.
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They were joined by deputy ambassadors Roland Schissau (Germany), David Ambrus (Hungary), Thomas Wiersing Policy Officer, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) EEAS European External Action Service (EEAS) Edoardo Manfredini and Javier Prieto, programme manager and regional senior adviser) from EU Delegation, and Mrs. Christine Carole, counsellor (France) and Ms. Silvia Magdalena Vaca, senior programme manager (Spain).
"Our visit to Mindanao demonstrates the EU’s continuous support
for the Mindanao peace process and development in the region", said
Ambassador Jessen.
" While there are still many challenges which lie ahead, we remain
hopeful that peace and stability will be restored soon in Mindanao", said
Ambassador Jessen. "We call on peace stakeholders to remain steadfast with
their commitment to help push for peacebuilding in Southern
Philippines".
The EU and Member States representatives visited Cotobato to promote
the culture of peace that has marked the very creation of the European Union
which is based on efforts to overcome divisions and promote peace.
"The EU's DNA is peace", said Ambassador Jessen who reminded
that the EU received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012.
The EU has set itself the goal of promoting peace in other parts of the
world including gin the Philippines.
During the tour, the group of Ambassadors met with MILF Chairman Al Haj
Murad Ebrahim, ARMM Executive Secretary Laisa Alamia, UN Mindanao Humanitarian
Team, the International Monitoring Team (IMT) and NGOs and CSOs in Mindanao.
In the Philippines, the EU and the member states have supported the
peace process through all available means from the political level, support to
mediation, practical confidence building measures at the grassroots level to
financial support for victims of conflict.
As a member of the International Monitoring Team, the EU has ensured
respect of human rights and protected civilians threated by violence.
Over the years the European Union has adapted its funding programs to
the changing needs of the Peace Process. The EU funding is targeting support
for increasing inclusiveness through various information and consultation
activities, demining and education related to mine risks, monitoring through
the Third Party Monitoring Team and protection of human rights. Funding is also
provided for income generating activities particularly through the Mindanao
Trust Fund, to ensure that peace dividends are perceived by the population.(With Report by Mark Navales)
