Resumption of talks urged

Resumption of talks urged

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."