Australian officials from the Embassy of Australia, led by Deputy Head of Mission Stephen Scott, have met for the third time last November 21 since July this year with leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), to renew strong support to the Mindanao peace process.

The Australian Embassy minister was accompanied in his visit to Camp Darapanan, Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, by Dr. Rodd McGibbon, assistant director general of Southeast Asian Branch of the Office of National Assessment; Titon Mitra, minister counselor for Australian Government Aid Program; and Matthew Harrison, second secretary.

They met with Ghazali Jaafar, MILF vice chairman for Political Affairs; Mohagher Iqbal, chairman of Information Committee and MILF peace panel; senior peace negotiators lawyer Lanang Ali; peace panel secretariat head Jun Mantawil; Central Committee Secretariat chairman Muhammad Ameen; and other MILF leaders.

In thanking the foreign visitors, Jaafar said, "the MILF has always been in the position of welcoming stronger participation and contribution of the international community (like the government of Australia) to the peace process between the government and the MILF."

However, Mindanao peace advocates lament that in spite of breakthrough developments in the negotiations, formal talks have yet to be scheduled.

On top of the meeting's agenda was the latest developments in the negotiations between the Philippine government and the MILF, particularly the formation of the International Contact Group (ICG), which has caught the attention of many countries and international non-governmental organizations.

Iqbal welcomed the visits and meetings with top foreign government officials. "We are happy with the visits of high-ranking foreign government officials and the opportunity to meet them. These meetings with them indicate a strong international support to the Mindanao peace process," said Iqbal.

The MILF on its online address said the "ICG is a mechanism that will help ensure compliance by the government and MILF to any signed agreement or commitment made in the course of negotiation."

A staunch backer of the United States attack and invasion of Iraq in 2003, the Australian government has been one of the most consistent providers of assistance to Mindanao's conflict-affected areas and its residents, particularly the Bangsamoro people.

Scott voiced Australia's willingness to do more specific functions for the peace process, Luwaran.net quoted the Australian official. "Our government is highly supportive of the peace process and efforts to resolve conflict in Mindanao," said Scott.