KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Insurgents from the Deep South provinces acknowledged Friday (June 14th) that negotiations with the Thai government are the "only way" to ensure peace, though the process might take years, AFP reported.

Talks between the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) and government representatives resumed Thursday in Malaysia. Two previous rounds of talks failed to curb near-daily attacks by insurgents against both military personnel and civilians.

Negotiations could last "two or three years" or more, BRN chief Hassan Taib said in rare comments to foreign media. "There is no indication how long it will take ... We hope that all sides will be patient and see these talks through. These talks are our best shot. War does not solve anything.

"This issue can only be solved through negotiations; that is the only way, even if it takes a long time."

Earlier Thursday, Thai National Security Council chief Paradorn Pattanathabut, the lead negotiator, told reporters he needed "concrete outcomes" to reduce the violence.

After meeting for hours, an agreement was struck to scale back violence during the holy month of Ramadan, which begins July 9th. "This is in accordance with the spirit of the month of Ramadan and as an expression of sincerity, goodwill and trust on the part of both parties," read a statement issued to the media late Thursday.