Resumption of talks urged

Mon, 08 Mar 1999 | Source: AP

MANILA (AP): The country's largest Charismatic movement urged the government and Communist rebels on Sunday to resume peace talks to avert new fighting that it said would hurt Manila's fragile economy.

A spokesman of the El Shaddai movement also asked the rebels to free several captives, including an army general, to boost the chances of restarting the talks.

The group is to stage a rally later on Sunday at a park beside Manila Bay where hundreds of members planned to release doves as a symbol of their desire for peace. Signed petitions for peace would be tied to the doves' feet, said El Shaddai spokesman Mel Robles.

"We want to show that the people renounce war," said Robles. "A resumption of hostilities could affect our economy, which is still picking up."

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