KL deputy premier visits Philippines

KL deputy premier visits Philippines

PHILIPPINES: Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak on
Tuesday visited the southern Philippines, where a Malaysian-led
team is monitoring a cease-fire between government troops and
separatist rebels.

Najib, who is also defense minister, checked on the Malaysian
cease-fire monitors based in Cotabato City, 960 kilometers south
of Manila, and celebrated with them the end of the holy month of
Ramadhan.

He also held discussions with such Philippine officials as
Vice President Noli de Castro, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita
and Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz.

"We hope that the peace process in the southern Philippines
can move forward," Najib told reporters.

He said he expects the international monitoring team, composed
of 60 Malaysians and 10 Brunei nationals, to "work very hard" to
ensure that the cease-fire between the government and the MILF
holds during peace negotiations.

Malaysia has agreed to host formal peace talks between the
Philippine government and the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation
Front (MILF), although no date has yet been set.

The cease-fire monitors arrived in the southern Philippines
last month. --DPA