Govt to resume peace talks with MILF - Palace

Manila, Philippines - Press Secretary Jesus Dureza on Monday announced that the government is ready to pursue peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as soon as the ongoing consultations with “stakeholders" and affected communities in Mindanao yielded positive results.

This is what President Arroyo informed United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice during their meeting last Nov. 22 at the Ministry of Defense (MOD) compound in Lima, Peru when asked about the recent developments in ongoing peace process in Mindanao, an article posted on the government web site said.

Dureza said the President further explained that the government`s new approach in pursuing the peace talks with the MILF was based on “more authentic consultations and not dictated by any armed group."

Hopefully, Dureza said, positive results from the ongoing consultations would come out as early as next month to enable the government to address the immediate needs of the displaced families and affected communities in the south.

“There might be a new announcement very soon about the resumption of peace talks with the MILF. But she (President Arroyo) reiterated the bottom line that communities must be secured first and the responsible elements of the MILF must take control," Dureza said during a press briefing at the Hotel Las Americas Pardo.

At the same time, Dureza said the President also expressed her gratitude for the continuing US assistance in connection with the Mindanao peace process. BY AIE BALAGTAS SEE

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv (November 24, 2008)
Credit Photo: www.mindef.gov.bn

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