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| Southeast Asia |
| MILF slam 'snail's pace' of negotiations |
| 2012-07-08 |
| Leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Saturday criticised the slow pace of peace talks with the government, and warned that some members were growing dissatisfied. The comments came as thousands attended a gathering at the MILF camp in Mindanao, including heavily armed fighters and government peace negotiators. MILF chairman Murad Ebrahim said despite the sluggish pace of talks his group remained committed to the negotiations. He told MILF supporters, "It is sad... that even though the MILF has drastically scaled down its position, negotiations with the government are moving at a snail's pace. The Philippine government is not too inclined to solve the armed conflict but (wants) to manage the armed conflict to a level where it can... rule the (Muslim people) and exploit the resources of (their) homeland." Murad said he hoped the government of President Benigno Aquino would be different from administrations in the past. He said, "It is only when negotiations fail that we will consider all other options that may be available." MILF vice-chairman Ghazali Jaafar said his group was seeking self-determination for Muslim Filipinos and not just a halt to the fighting. He added, "Because of the very extensive and lengthy negotiations, other (MILF) leaders view the negotiations with uncertainty." |
| Posted by:ryuge |