Philippines hopes to finalise peace plan with rebels by April

March 01, 2013

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Philippines officials and the Muslim separatist group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) wrapped up three days of talks in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday (February 28th), after which Manila's chief negotiator said they hope to finalise a peace agreement ending decades of insurgency by April, AFP reported.

Miriam Coronel Ferrer said the government and MILF are working to put the finishing touches on plans for disarmament and wealth-and power-sharing by March, with delivery of a final "comprehensive agreement" in April.

"There are only a few issues left. We will find a resolution. There is no deal-breaker here," she said.

The government agreed in October on a road map with MILF following years of talks hosted by Malaysia. MILF has been fighting since the 1970s for independence in the southern island of Mindanao.

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