|
By
Maritess Fernandez, Mindanao News Bureau
ZAMBOANGA
CITY—The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is again insisting
that the resumption of peace talks with the government be held in
the Middle East, either in Saudi Arabia or Egypt which have
signified their intention to broker the negotiations to end
decades of hostilities in Mindanao.
This
was emphasized by Shariff Julabbi, spokesman of MILF chieftain
Hashim Salamat, in a radio interview from his hideout somewhere in
this city.
“Peace
talks must be held in the Middle East—either in Saudi Arabia or
Egypt. These friendly countries have offered us to host the peace
negotiations with the Philippine government,” Julabbi said.
Earlier,
President Arroyo suspended all military offensives against the
MILF and opened new negotiations with the rebels shortly after she
was catapulted into power by a bloodless civilian-led revolution
that ousted president Joseph Estrada last Jan. 20.
Estrada
ordered a major assault against the MILF last year after rebel
leaders failed to sign a peace agreement with the government.
“The
MILF will stick to its original demand for independence because
this is the aspiration of the Muslims in Mindanao—an independent
Islamic state, no less,” Jalabbi stressed.
He
said backdoor negotiations continue between the government and
MILF peace panels and formal talks could start before the end of
the year.
“We
need to agree that all peace negotiations would be held in Saudi
Arabia or in Cairo, which offered to help broker the talks,”
Julabbi added.
“The
MILF really wants to have a lasting peace in the South. We do not
want war...all we want is peace for the Muslims and a homeland for
all the Muslim in the Philippines.”
Julabbi
said the MILF will not accept any political offer, but
independence, from the Arroyo government.
|
