MILF chief, US envoy meet, tackle peace process

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Wednesday said United States Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney inquired about the state of the secessionist group’s peace negotiations with the government during her visit to the rebel group’s Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat on Tuesday. In an article posted on its website, the MILF said Kenney made the inquiry during a closed-door meeting with MILF chief Al Haj Murad that lasted for about an hour. The US ambassador had described her trip to the MILF camp as a “private visit." The MILF said after the meeting, Murad told reporters that during the closed-door meeting, Kenney had asked him about the status of the peace talks, which he said is moving very slowly. Without giving much details on the discussions, Murad was quoted as saying that Kenney expressed high hope that the talks will succeed. "We welcome her (Kenney) efforts to reach us in the name of peace," Murad was quoted in the article as saying. Peace talks between the government and the MILF were stalled in December 2007 after negotiators from both parties failed to agree on the scope of the ancestral domain, which is the single most important issue in the peace negotiations before the rebel group can reach a political settlement. In its article, the MILF noted that Kenney’s visit to Camp Darapanan is thus far the highest point in US’ involvement in the peace process, noting that in the past, Washington has not dealt with MILF on official status. It was only in November 2005 that the US elevated its involvement in the peace process to an official level with its decision to deal directly with the MILF that resulted in several meetings between MILF and US embassy officials. The MILF said during her Tuesday visit, Kenney was accompanied by five other American officials, including Paul John, US Embassy deputy chief of mission; Jon Lindberg, director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); Col. Bill Coultrup, commander of the US forces in Mindanao; Dave Maxwell, a political-military officer; and an unidentified security officer. When asked if the Balikatan exercises, which will be conducted in some MILF-influenced areas until March 13, was discussed during the meeting with Kenney, Murad said: "I cannot say anything more, I'm sorry," Murad said. In its article, the MILF said Kenney was greeted by MILF fighters in combat uniform and armed with M16 rifles and rocket-propelled grenade launchers upon arrival at the rebel camp. Members of the MILF peace panel led by Mohagher Iqbal and accompanied by Atty. Datu Michael Mastura met and led them to the venue of meeting where Murad and party were waiting. Immediately, Murad invited her to a closed door meeting, which lasted for almost one hour. After the meeting, Murad escorted Kenney to another conference room where other members of the MILF central committee and the rest of Kenney’s team were also exchanging views on various matters including the Balikatan exercises, and US humanitarian missions in Mindanao. - GMANews.TV