KUALA LUMPUR: The seventh peace dialogue meeting between the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand (PEDP) and Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) concluded positively, with both sides agreeing in principle on the Joint Comprehensive Plan towards Peace (JCPP).
The Malaysian government's chief facilitator for the Southern Thailand Peace Dialogue Process, Tan Sri Zulkifli Zainal Abidin, said both sides demonstrated a strong commitment to accomplishing JCPP, which will pave the way for a durable peace agreement for the people in southern provinces.
This consensus was reached during the two-day 7th Peace Dialogue Process Meeting held here from yesterday.
"The Malaysian government is committed to providing a wide and transparent platform, free from hidden agendas.
"This is to ensure that we serve the aspirations of the stakeholders, namely the people of southern Thailand," Zulkifli said at a press conference of the 7th Peace Dialogue Process Meeting here today.
PEDP is headed by General Chatchai Bangchaud, while BRN is led by Ustaz Anas Abdulrahman.
Zulkifli said before JCPP's endorsement, PEDP had expressed its readiness to take the necessary steps to create a conducive environment for reconciliation.
This, he said, included transitioning from the current safety-based "roadblock method implemented in southern Thailand to an "administrative roadblock", based on an administrative system.
"This transition will enhance stability in southern Thailand and give room to the mental and physical wellbeing of all parties involved."
Zulkifli said the measures for fostering a conducive environment will be discussed by the technical teams of both parties this month and the next to address hostility reduction.
"I cannot decide now as it is still too early, but everything will be formulated by both parties, PEDP and BRN, before we announce it in the upcoming press conference.
"The meeting also should involve stakeholders, who are also important drivers in bringing sustainable peace to PEDP."
He said Malaysia maintained its stance and was committed to being a facilitator for the Southern Thailand Peace Dialogue Process.