Government to resume peace talks with MILF in Libya on June 20

President Arroyo and her Cabinet gave the go-signal yesterday for the resumption of peace talks between the government and the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) beginning June 20 in Tripoli, Libya.

The approval was made following the President’s acceptance of an offer by Libyan President Moammar Gadhaffi to host the negotiations in his country.

Possible sites for the renewed talks were discussed during a Cabinet meeting at Malacañang yesterday, the President said.

Retired general Eduardo Ermita, presidential adviser on the peace process, said members of the government peace panel are set to leave for Tripoli next week.

"The President has approved the shifting venue concept and the government panel, headed by presidential assistant for Eastern Mindanao Jesus Dureza, will be in Tripoli by June 20 for the opening of talks with MILF leaders," Ermita said.

Last Saturday, Mrs. Arroyo and Gadhaffi had a telephone conversation where the main topic was the forthcoming peace negotiations.

The Libyan leader reiterated his full support for the peace talks, and thanked Mrs. Arroyo for accepting Libya’s offer.

Libya is a member of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), which brokered the Philippine government’s peace pact with the Moro National Liberation Front in 1996.

The Middle East country also previously brokered the Tripoli Agreement entered into between the Marcos administration and Nur Misuari’s group.

Apart from Libya, two other OIC members – Malaysia and Indonesia – had offered to host the peace negotiations with the MILF.

In a related development, Cotabato City Mayor Muslimen Sema proposed a power-sharing scheme between the MNLF and MILF, once the latter forges a pact with the national government.

Sema said the scheme would pave the way for peace to finally prevail in the troubled island of Mindanao.

The government had granted the MNLF a package of concessions, including the creation of the Special Zone for Peace and Development and control of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Kibambanan Mamukid, regional director of the Office of Muslim Affairs, said the arrangement would benefit both the Christian and Muslim populace.

"It would be best for everybody if both the MILF and MNLF share power," Mamukid said. – Marichu Villanueva, Edith Regalado