Date: June 2003

Talks With MILF to Resume without Preconditions

During her Tokyo trip last week, President Arroyo had the opportunity to meet with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahatir and the two have reportedly agreed that talks between the Philippines government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front should resume "without preconditions."

On June 2 the MILF began a 10-day unilateral ceasefire which the government had earlier described as a tactical ploy designed to allow the rebels time to regroup. Now it seems Manila has softened its stance. Despite threats, the government has not tagged the MILF as a terrorist group even though the ceasefire has been less than complete.

President Arroyo is due to spend a full week in Mindanao starting June 10.

 

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