Manila: The two-day talks between the Philippines government and representatives of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ended Thursday with both sides optimistic over the continuation of the stalled peace parleys.
Reports reaching Manila said the formal resumption of the government-MILF peace talks had proceeded as scheduled in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, with the presence of members of the International Contact Group (ICG).
"The parties have expressed satisfaction on the results of the peace negotiations," a statement carried in the MILF's Luwaran website said.
The ICG is presently made up of representatives from Japan, Britain, Turkey, and non government groups — The Asia Foundation, Conciliation Resources, the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue and the Mohammadiyah.
During the exchanges in Kuala Lumpur, the parties have also agreed to expand the composition of the ICG to include other non-government groups such as the International Non-Violent Peace Force, Mindanao People's Caucus, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
MILF Peace Panel chair Mohagher Iqbal, who led the delegation for the separatist group, said the discussions in Kuala Lumpur between the government and the MILF touched on strengthening of the role and functions of the International Monitoring Team (IMT), the composition of the Civilian Protection Component of the IMT, and renewal of the mandate of the Interim-Implementing Guidelines of Ad Hoc Joint Action Group.
