MILF talks to resume March 4-5

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines  – Peace panels of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will resume their formal talks on the first week of March in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia following the exchange of their respective drafts of the peace accord early this month, the presidential peace adviser said yesterday.

But President Arroyo advised the government panel not to rush any final deal with the MILF and would not want the agreement to be mired by the upcoming elections, said Secretary Annabelle Abaya, presidential adviser on the peace process.

Abaya, who was here for a peace dialogue, said there have been ongoing discussions on the drafts, which will be presented when the two panels sit down on March 4-5.