Canada, Japan, World Bank express alarm over possible fighting in Mindanao

MANILA (AP) - Canada, Japan and the World Bank have expressed alarm over a possible outbreak of fighting between troops and Muslim rebels in the south that could derail ongoing peace talks, with Tokyo warning it may pullout its aid workers if the situation worsens.

The two donor countries and the World Bank urged the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in separate letters to exercise restraint to save the Malaysian-brokered talks and peacefully resolve a conflict over the recent rebel killing of 14 marines.

"We are gravely concerned that offensive military operations could derail the ongoing peace talks," Japanese Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamazaki said.