Philippines, Muslim rebels resume peace talks in Malaysia

Manila - Peace talks between the Philippine government and Muslim secessionist rebels resumed Tuesday in Malaysia, after more than a year of suspension, a government statement said. Rafael Seguis, chairman of the government peace panel, expressed optimism that the fresh rounds of negotiations would finally lead to a lasting solution to the decades-old Islamic insurgency in the strife-torn southern region of Mindanao.

Seguis also thanked the Malaysian government for its continuous support for the peace process.

Mohagher Iqbal, chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) negotiating team, reiterated the rebel group's commitment to finding a political solution to the Mindanao conflict.

"There is no other way except the path of peace," he said.

The start of the two-day talks in Kuala Lumpur was also attended by representatives of an international contact group (ICG) organized to monitor the negotiations and implementation of agreements reached.

The ICG is composed of Japan, Britain, Turkey and several international peace and humanitarian organizations.

Peace talks between the government and MILF were suspended in August last year when guerrillas seized villages and attacked towns in protest against the non-signing of a key territory agreement.

More than 300 people were killed in the attacks and subsequent clashes between the two sides, while more than 500,000 fled their homes.

The MILF is the largest Muslim rebel group in the southern Philippines. It agreed to hold peace talks with the government in 1997.