Peace talks remain deadlocked

Peace talks remain deadlocked

DAVAO, Philippines (Reuter): Government and Moro rebel negotiators failed yesterday to resolve a deadlock on integrating guerrilla forces into the Philippine army.

This is one of the major issues blocking a final agreement to end a 24-year rebellion in the southern Philippines.

Officials of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) told reporters the two sides, which had discussed the issue for several hours at committee level meetings decided to toss the issue for resolution to a meeting between MNLF chairman Nur Misuari and chief government negotiator Manuel Yan.

The meeting between Misuari and Yan was delayed by Misuari's failure to arrive as scheduled in southern Davao city, where the negotiations are being held.