GRP, MILF willing to renegotiate

MANILA, Philippines – Both panels of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are willing to go back to the negotiating table in a bid to reach a peace pact in Mindanao, an international peace mediator today said.

David Gorman, mediation advisor of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, said their group was informed by the two parties of their willingness to return to the negotiation table.

"Obviously, there is a willingness to go back to the table," Gorman told a press briefing at Makati City this afternoon.

He, however, refused to divulge the details of the proposals of the both panels.

After reading the proposals, he said: “It is the right time, perhaps, ( to resume peace talks) is now.”

For his part, Gerry Kelly of the Northern Ireland, said the process to work both parties to be willing to reach a pact.

"Everything should be on the table," said Kelly, who visited the country the third time to act as a consultant on peace process.

He said there should be transparency and dissidents, such as break away groups, should be invited to a public debate.

Kelly shared his experiences as peace negotiator during the armed dissidents in Ireland.

The peace talks had reached an impasse when President Benigno Aquino III described the proposals as "heaven and earth."

Today's peace forum was organized by the Eisenhower Fellows Association of the Philippines.

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