Gov`t, MILF tackle ancestral domain as peace talks resume

Cotabato City, Philippines - Government and Moro negotiators on Tuesday began another round of special meetings in Kuala Lumpur in a bid to break the impasse in the Mindanao peace negotiations.

Retired general Rodolfo Garcia, chief government negotiator, and Mohaqher Iqbal, MILF peace panel chairman, met with their respective panel members in what the secessionist group described as a "question-and-answer" session to settle disagreements on the thorny issue of ancestral domain.

The issue of ancestral domain has caused delays in the resumption of the shaky talks as the rebels stood pat on the size of the territory they want for the future Bangsamoro entity.

Mohammad Ameen, chair of the MILF central committee secretariat, said they will push for the immediate resumption of the talks, citing the Bangsamoro people`s impatience over the long delay.

Earlier, Khaled Musa, chairman of the MILF committee on information, chided government for floating the idea of delays in the peace process as long as a ceasefire holds in Mindanao.

"We cannot accept perpetual ceasefire while the peace process is stagnating," he said.

Ameen said both sides may decide to extend the executive session to another day and hopefully set the date for the next round of formal peace negotiations.

Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net
Credit Photo: www.bisayabloggers.com

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