The Philippine government and Muslim separatist rebels will resume peace talks in neighboring Malaysia this month, a rebel spokesman said yesterday.
Moro Islamic Liberation Front spokesman Eid Kabalu said political turmoil in Manila, sparked by claims of elections fraud against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, will not setback negotiations aimed at ending decades of conflict in the southern Philippines.
"The unfolding political events in Manila have no bearings whatsoever on our efforts to pursue peace in Mindanao," he told reporters, adding that the talks will resume July 25-26.
Kabalu acknowledged that negotiations may be delayed if Arroyo succumbs to growing pressure to step down. But he said it would not shake the process, which is supported by neighboring countries, the United States and the international community.
"If there is an abrupt change of leadership in Manila, it may slow down our talks, but the peace process will go on. Whoever takes over will have to honor an international commitment to resolve this issue," he added.
Eid said the new round of informal talks in Malaysia will tackle the final issue of governance, before formal negotiations are launched. MILF negotiators are expected to submit several proposals for self-rule, ranging from independence to a federal state, he said.
"What's important is that we do not close our door to one option only," he said.
"We are optimistic of coming up with a consensus on the issue of governance, and formal negotiations will follow through on finalizing the formula and the political solution to the conflict."
The government offered limited autonomy in 1996 to another rebel group, the Moro National Liberation Front, in exchange for peace. But the MILF, which was formed from a disgruntled MNLF faction, says autonomy is insufficient.
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