QUEZON CITY, Philippines, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- The president of the Philippines Monday reiterated calls to jump-start the stalled peace talks with the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently appointed Avelino Razon the presidential adviser on the peace process in a move to renew peace talks with MILF leaders and end the ongoing hostilities in the southern Mindanao region of the country.
Arroyo called on Razon to "pave the way" for restarting cease-fire and peace negotiations with MILF leaders, the Philippine government reported.
"The panel is poised and ready to embark on substantive discussions, including ceasefire-related issues, the international monitoring team and accelerated development for Mindanao," Arroyo said in a statement.
