23 april 2008 07:25

Peace talks to continue even without Malaysia: Dureza

Manila, Philippines - Peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front will continue even with the possible withdrawal of Malaysia as cease-fire monitors.

“Our peace process will continue with the help of all countries willing to help," Presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza said Tuesday.

A report from Bernama news agency quoted Foreign Minister Rais Yatim as saying that Malaysia plans not to send more troops or other personnel to Mindanao once the current mandate of its monitoring team ends in September.

The report said this was because of stalled peace talks between the Philippine government and the MILF, the largest secessionist organization in the country.

"We have to get cooperation from both sides. But if one party is not making the effort, we will have to end the mission," Rais was quoted as saying.

Dureza said the Malaysians “have been very helpful in the process."

“But we cannot impose further on their benevolence if that is their decision," he said.

The Malaysians lead an international team that includes personnel from Brunei, Libya and Japan. It is responsible for safeguarding a 2003 cease-fire between the Philippine military and the MILF.

Peace negotiations between the government and the MILF have been stalled since December last year after rebel negotiators walked away from a meeting in protest to some proposals by the government, including the extent of territory that would fall under Muslim control.

Source: www.gmanews.tv

Credit Photo: zamboangajournal.blogspot.com

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