Kelly in Philippines to share negotiation experience

North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly met the Philippine government and warring rebel factions this week on a visit to the country, where he is sharing his experiences of the conflict and peace building in the North.
The Sinn Féin minister flew to the capital Manila on Sunday to deliver a lecture alongside figures such as the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Yusuf Kalla, the country's governor Irwandi Yusef and Nureldin Satti from the United Nations.
During the high profile visit the North Belfast MLA travelled to the rebel camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). MILF have been fighting for the establishment of an independent Islamic state in southern Philippines since 1981.
He also met with officials from the Philippine government including the country's current President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Kelly, who played a key role in negotiations with the British government before the ceasefires and Good Friday Agreement, said he is sharing his experiences with another country that is involved in peace talks.
"Obviously no two situations are the same and you can't match our own experiences with the Philippines," he said.
"But you can see what relevance they have to each other and how we can learn from both situations. Negotiations between MILF and the Philippine government broke down for a period recently, so talking about our own negotiations here in the North and how we worked through it can help."

Kelly also visited the MILF encampment to meet with the Islamic rebels.
"It is a huge camp with lots of personnel and their families all living on it. They are growing crops and have set up small shops on the site. Obviously it can be a dangerous place to visit and has been attacked before, but things are quiet at the minute because there is a ceasefire in place."
The Sinn Féin man is also set to deliver a lecture on negotiating this week.
"I will be talking about transparency and secrecy during negotiations and how it works. I will be telling them what worked in Ireland and how it could help their own situation.”