Few developments could be more welcome to the people of the southern Philippines nor have a more beneficial long-term effect on the well-being of the nation as a whole than a peaceful solution to the decades-old revolt by the Muslims of the Mindanao region. It would, of course, take time to build mutual trust and respect, particularly since Muslim extremists have vowed to continue fighting even if the mainstream Moro National Liberation Front signs a peace treaty.
But in the long-term, peace would allow a reduction in military spending - or at least diversion of resources to external defence needs - and a boost to the southern economy. It is an outcome both the Government and the rebels should be working hard to achieve. However, it should not be forgotten that even in the South, Muslims are a minority.
Autonomy, therefore, must inevitably be limited, and not the first step to secession and independence. There must be some flexibility on both sides on the integration of Muslim fighters into the national military, to enable them to join wholeheartedly in crushing the extremists. There will be little enthusiasm for fighting their Muslim brethren if they perceive themselves as second-class soldiers. There must also be some concession to Muslim sensitivities and custom to enable the people of Mindanao to live together in peace. But the region cannot be allowed to become a theocracy at the expense of the Christian majority.
The talks are being conducted in an atmosphere of goodwill. They should also be conducted with the sensitivity and good sense to ensure genuine compromise and an enduring peace.