Arroyo to ask Egypt and Syria for help to end Moro insurgency

Manila: President Gloria Arroyo will visit Egypt and Syria starting May 1, to ask for assistance on the Philippine government's effort to forge a peace settlement with a Muslim separatist group in the southern Philippines, a senior official said.

"Her visit to Egypt and Syria is an acknowledgment of the important roles the two Arab nations play in the peace process between the Philippines government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)," said Press Secretary Cerge Remonde.

Arroyo will consult with Egyptian leaders, whose country is "one of the most effective and efficient peace brokers in the Islamic world," for a breakthrough in the on and off peace talks between the Philippines government and the MILF, said Remonde.

Arroyo considers Egypt and Syria as "two of the most influential members of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC)," said Remonde, hinting that Arroyo is asking another OIC-member country, apart from Malaysia, to broker the talks which began in 1997.

Last August, renegade MILF commanders attacked Christian-dominated villages in the southern Philippines when the Supreme Court prevented negotiators of the Philippine government and the MILF to sign an agreement that would allow the expansion of an existing autonomous region for Muslims in the southern Philippines.

Since then, both camps have not firmed up dates for the resumption of peace talks despite the holding of numerous informal and back channel talks.

Arroyo's working visit in Cairo includes meetings with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Egyptian businessmen, and members of the Filipino community.

Arroyo's visit to Egypt would be the first by a Philippines president in 30 years, said Remonde.

On May 3, Arroyo will proceed to Damascus for a two-day state visit, said Remonde, adding, "The Syrian government will shoulder most of her expenses in the state visit."

She will be meeting with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad and will sign several agreements that will strengthen bilateral ties between the Philippines and Syria.