BAGUIO CITY – The United States (US) government will extend whatever assistance to the efforts of the negotiators of the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as they go back to the negotiating table for the possible formulation of an agreement to put an end to the armed conflict in Mindanao, outgoing US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie A. Kenney said here Friday.

However, she underscored the decision on whether or not to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao lies in the hands of both parties who must be the ones to make the path forward so that the rest will follow.

The support of the US government to the Mindanao peace talks is a giant step to the snowballing clamor from the international community to let peace reign in the conflict-stricken Mindanao area so that its potentials for development could be tapped for the sake of the country’s robust economic growth.

“Absolutely, we want peace in Mindanao.

We appreciate the efforts of both parties to resume the peace talks since they must be the ones to lead the path forward to peace,” she stressed.

According to her, the US government had been pouring support to the development of health and education in the Mindanao because of their desire to convince the people to embrace peace for the sake of a better scenario in the region.

Earlier, the governments of the United Kingdom (UK) and Japan signified their commitment to support the resumption of peace talks between the GRP and MILF peace negotiators so that the people in Mindanao will be able to realize the fruits of lasting peace and development.

Kenney cited the great economic potentials of Mindanao because of its vast resources that when properly utilized and developed will make a big difference in uplifting the lives of the poor people who are caught in the crossfire of warring government and rebel forces.

The US ambassador pointed out it is still best for the two parties to weigh the consequences and benefits of their respective positions so that they could come out with a proactive position which will result to the utmost benefits for the nation.

She explained the armed struggle in Mindanao over the past four decades have brought miserable lives to the people in the place, thus, the need for a “win-win solution” from both parties to end the war which had already claimed thousands of lives and damaged billions worth of properties.

Kenney emphasized there is nothing more powerful than the reign of peace in a certain nation, thus, warring factions should realize they are just being victims of the idealisms and ideologies of a few people who want to divide the nation to advance their own personal and political interests.