Peace deal seen as unlikely (3:32 p.m.)
MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Muslim rebels are unlikely to forge a peace pact in her remaining 16 months in office but should strive to end seven months of fighting that have killed about 200 people, the International Crisis Group said Tuesday.
The clashes that broke out between government troops and the 11,600-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front last August in the country’s south have displaced thousands of people and are impeding
Malaysian-brokered peace talks and efforts to rid the region of foreign Islamic radicals, the Brussels-based security think tank said.
“No settlement is likely during the remaining tenure of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo,” the ICG wrote in its latest analysis. “The two sides are too far apart, the potential spoilers too numerous, and the political will too weak.”
Presidential adviser Avelino Razon remained optimistic, saying “it’s never too late to negotiate for peace. Any delay will mean more suffering.” (AP)
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