RP-MILF talks stalled over mediator dispute By Mario J. Mallari and Michaela P. del Callar 11/22/2010

RP-MILF talks stalled over mediator dispute

By Mario J. Mallari and Michaela P. del Callar 11/22/2010

Talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have reached an impasse and might be stalled again should the GRP pursue its interest in replacing the Malaysian third party facilitator in the peace negotiations.

“There is impasse,” MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said.

“They (GRP) are questioning the integrity of the Malaysian facilitator and they are doing it not in accordance with the established practice and protocol,” he noted.

The government has expressed its interest in replacing Malaysian Datuk Othman Razak from acting as third party facilitator in the peace negotiations for showing supposed bias toward the MILF.

Iqbal stressed the MILF’s Central Committee’s position to retain Othman, citing no reason in the proposed changing of the facilitator..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20101122hed3.html