U.S. threatens to stop aid for MILF

U.S. threatens to stop aid for MILF

PHILIPPINES: The United States on Wednesday accused Muslim
separatists in the southern Philippines of ties with regional
terror group Jamaah Islamiyah (JI), and threatened to withhold
millions of dollars in aid unless the rebels stop harboring
"outlaws" and "terrorists."

"I would not be stating that concern unless we have excellent
grounds for it," U.S. Ambassador Francis Ricciardone told
reporters.

The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation
Front (MILF) are prepared to resume stalled peace talks on ending
a decades-long rebellion later this month in Malaysia.

The United States has committed at least US$30 million in
development programs for MILF areas once a final peace agreement
is reached.

"The United States will not provide economic development
assistance in areas controlled by the MILF if that organization
maintains its ties to outlaws, terrorists, in violation of the
written testimony of (MILF) chairman Salamat (Hashim) in his last
days," Ricciardone said. -- AP