The Philippine government and Muslim separatists have agreed to install an international monitoring and liaison team between them in the restive south, a senior official said Wednesday, describing the move as a major breakthrough in the stalled peace progress.

Presidential Advice on Peace Progress Avelino Razon said in a statement that the agreement was signed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and the news was relayed to him by government chief negotiator Rafael E. Siguis Tuesday night.

Razon said the government "welcomes this new development in the peace process that will eventually end the long-drawn armed conflict in Mindanao."

The International Contact Group, composed of representatives of foreign countries and non-government organizations, will aid in building consensus and restoring mutual respect between Manila and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the country's largest rebel group, Razon and rebel officials said.

Peace talks collapsed in August 2008 after the two sides failed to sign an agreement on ancestral domain. Intensified clashes ensued for almost six months.

Razon said now the "long overdue" peace talks with Manila and the 11,800-member MILF have good chances to finally resume.

The nearly four-decade-old Muslim insurgency in southern Philippines that has claimed more than 120,000 lives and stalled economic activities in the resources-rich Mindanao region.


Source: Xinhua