Ermita: KL meet to resume stalled talks

At least four Cabinet members are scheduled to initiate "exploratory talks" with the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) under the auspices of Malaysia as third party facilitator on the possible resumption of peace talks, a government official said yesterday.

Presidential adviser on the peace process Eduardo Ermita said the MILF was asked by Kuala Lumpur to meet with the Cabinet officials who are scheduled to fly today to the Malaysian capital on the resumption of peace talks.

The Cabinet team would be led by presidential adviser on special concerns Norberto Gonzales and would include presidential assistant for Mindanao affairs Jesus Dureza, head of the government panel holding talks with the MILF.

The other Cabinet officials are presidential adviser for regional development Paul Dominguez and Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman.

Other members of the "exploratory" team include Defense Undersecretary Antonio Santos and a representative from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

For his part, Dureza said the government team will leave for Kuala Lumpur today for a meeting with MILF representatives. Meetings are also scheduled for Thursday and Friday.

He said the meeting would be a first step in the resumption of the peace talks.

Dureza said one issue he wants addressed is the plight of thousands of displaced persons in the affected areas in Mindanao who have not been able to return to their homes since last month’s hostilities.

Rebel spokesman Eid Kabalu said MILF representatives to the meeting are Lanang Ali, Michael Mastura and Mushib Buat.

Ermita said the "exploratory process" would only be a one-day affair which would determine the points of agreement before proceeding into the holding of formal peace negotiations.

Mrs. Arroyo said she would urge the participation of Sen. Ramon Magsaysay, chairman of the Senate defense committee, and Basilan Rep. Gerry Salapuddin, Deputy Speaker for Mindanao, as additional members of the advisory group to the government panel as soon as the formal talks with the MILF resume. – With Jose Rodel Clapano