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Manila: The government is not in a rush to jump into another peace negotiation round with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a top official said.
In an interview with state-run Radyo ng Bayan (People's Radio), Press Secretary Jess Dureza reiterated the government's policy on dealing with the MILF after Malaysia's defence minister urged the Philippine government to immediately resume negotiations with Milf leaders.
"The Arroyo administration is not in a rush to enter into new peace negotiations unless the process complies with its new policy of disarmament, demobilisation, rehabilitation, and consultations with the people of the affected areas," Dureza said.
Shifting the dialogue
"The concept of this new policy is that we now shift the dialogue, not just within the armed groups but to the real affected people in Mindanao which are the residents and the indigenous groups," he said.
Dureza also reiterated the government's policy of "no bombardment, no artillery" against breakaway forces of the MILF "unless in extreme circumstances."
Dureza expressed his gratitude to Malaysian Defence Minister Dato' Sri Mohammad Najeeb Tun Haji Abdul Razak for his concern about the peace process, but stressed that the government is not in a hurry for peace talks because of its sad experience in dealing with renegade MILF commanders who are beyond the control of the MILF leadership.
"As I have said, we should have an environment conducive for the continuation of peace talks, and by this we mean that MILF should have complete control of their forces," Dureza said.
With inputs from Rafael Juan.
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