THE Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels are scheduled to hold formal exploratory talks on Aug. 22 to 24 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Government peace panel chairman Marvic Leonen said both parties have agreed to fast-track negotiations and implement agreements before the end of Aquino’s term in 2016.
Leonen said the government peace panel was confident about reaching a political settlement of the conflict in Mindanao as the MILF was no longer demanding independence. Leonen said the “historic” meeting between Aquino and the MILF chief indicated the administration’s sincerity and commitment to achieve a negotiated political settlement with the MILF.
Aquino and several Cabinet officials met unannounced with Murad in Tokyo on Thursday to discuss ways to move the peace talks forward.
Leonen said both parties agreed to work on solutions that are “feasible, practical, and politically and economically viable.” (End)
