|
Sunday, February 23, 2003
Gov't doubts talking peace with MILF
By Joshua Dancel
THE government is having second thoughts of discussing peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) following the continued offensives by Muslim dissidents in the south.
Malacanang, meanwhile, is also seriously considering tagging the MILF as terrorists.
Eduardo Ermita, Presidential Adviser on Peace Process, told a radio interview Saturday that they are having "second thoughts" about pushing the peace process with the MILF.
"We are having second thoughts in the peace talks and we want to know now what they want, to talk peace or we could just go to war," an exasperated Ermita said.
In fact, Ermita said he is not sure if the draft peace agreement would be sent to the MILF camp for their perusal as they are still awaiting word from Malaysia about any developments of sitting down with the Moro rebels, stopping the attacks down south and then talking peace.
"I am not sure if they have delivered the agreement and we are still awaiting word if the other camp has agreed on our terms (of stopping the offensives)," he said.
He said Special Concerns Secretary Norberto Gonzales is currently holding back channel talks with the MILF and news would trickle in soon, especially now that the President is on her way to Malaysia Sunday where the talks is being held.
However, Ermita said all is not lost for the peace process. He said the government is still espousing a peaceful resolution to end the war in Mindanao.
As far as terrorist tag on the, Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said this is being considered. "If it is coming from Sec. Ermita, then it definitely carries weight," he said.
He insisted, however, that the suggestion has not been formally submitted to any forum.
Ermita said tagging the MILF as terrorists would not be the work of the Philippine government.
"That will be up for the other countries to do. But I just hope it will not reach to that," Ermita said issuing a veiled threat to the MILF.
He also said the MILF needs to explain what is really happening within the ranks of the MILF leadership.
(February 23, 2003 issue)
Want Sun.Star news on your mobile phone? Click here. |
|
[ return
to top ]
[ home
]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
