MILF will boycott dialogue

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) threatened to boycott the two-day "clarificatory meeting" which the government panel scheduled starting today in Manila unless the Estrada administration formally declares the resumption of the peace talks.

Eid Kabalu, spokesman of the MILF’s central committee, said the dialogue is supposed to tackle a six-point agenda for the resumption of the stalled talks, which the government panel led by retired Lt. Gen. Edgardo Batenga, transmitted to the MILF panel early this month.

The agenda includes venue of the talks and the possible role of the Organization of Islamic Conference. — Roel Pareño, Paolo Romero