Manila awaits Malaysia's response to mediator role

Manila:  The Philippine government has requested Malaysia to mediate in peace talks with the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front. It is currently awaiting Malaysia's response to its request.

Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles, President Benigno Aquino III's peace adviser, said the government was awaiting a response from Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi on the Philippine government's request.

The role of the Malaysian government as third party negotiator has been critical in the past to enable both sides to agree to a temporary ceasefire.

Prevent violations

Malaysia headed the International Monitoring Team (IMT), a body composed of several nations which aims to prevent violations of the ceasefire by government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front forces.

In July, Quintos-Deles issued a statement saying the talks would likely resume at the end of Ramadan.