Malaysia to assess RP rebellion

Malaysia to assess RP rebellion

MALAYSIA: Malaysia will soon send a team to assess the Muslim
separatist rebellion in Mindanao in the southern Philippines
before deciding whether to deploy cease-fire monitors there, a
minister said on Thursday.

Defense minister Najib Razak said the reconnaissance team
would be sent after the Muslim festival of Idul Fitri, which is
likely to be celebrated in Malaysia on Nov. 25, depending on the
sighting of the new moon.

"The prime minister and certain members of the Cabinet are
aware that there has been a formal request by the Philippines for
us to participate as a monitoring team. In principle, we have to
assess the situation on the ground," Najib was quoted as saying
by the Bernama news agency.

The government will only decide on sending monitors after the
reconnaissance team reports, he said, adding that the decision
was also subject to the progress of talks between the Philippines
government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. -- AFP