Malaysia not pulling out of talks

COTABATO CITY – Malaysia is not backing out as mediator in the 11-year-old peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the government said yesterday.

Chief government negotiator Rodolfo Garcia and senior MILF peace panel member Michael Mastura said Malaysia was merely pulling out its ceasefire monitors from Mindanao.

Speaking at a peace forum in Cotabato City, the two negotiators said Malaysia will continue to mediate in the peace talks, contrary to public perception.  – John Unson