Philippines, Muslim rebels end talks without signing of annexes

Negotiators of the Philippine government and the country's largest rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ended early Sunday the 41st round of formal exploratory talks in Malaysia without signing any of the two remaining annexes of the framework agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). But both sides said that they have made substantial progress on the remaining annexes on power-sharing and normalization. "They have proceeded in exhaustive, honest discussions in order to identify the best formulations for an agreement that would respond to the aspirations of both Parties," they said in a joint statement. The remaining challenges and the time constraints demand that the panels remain focused on completing the annexes following a break for Eid'Ul'Adha, the statement added. The government and the MILF said that they have a full understanding of their responsibility as they strive toward a sustainable and inclusive solution for the benefit of all people in the Bangsamoro. Both sides signed early this year the annexes on transitional arrangements and modalities and wealth-sharing. The four annexes and the FAB will form part of a comprehensive peace deal that both sides hope to sign before the end of the year. The peace agreement aims to end the four-decade armed conflict in southern Philippines by creating a Bangsamoro government that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.