The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has given Malaysia the power to decide whether peace talks with the Philippine government should resume or not. MILF Spokesperson Ustadz Eid Kabalu yesterday said in a telephone interview the rebel group will reject any peace overtures from Manila and instead urges it to direct its efforts to Malaysian authorities. “As of now we will not entertain any (peace) effort. We are just going to observe,” Kabalu. He added that peace talks, if they ever get resumed, will be significantly delayed by the recent military confrontations in Central Mindanao and the “government’s insincerity.” Kabalu cited the military attack in Pikit, North Cotabato, and the government’s claim that the MILF is responsible for the killing of 14 civilians in Calauit, Zam­boanga del Norte last Wednesday night manifested the Philippine govern­ment’s insincerity. “Sincerity first before peace talks, that is our stand,” Kabalu said. “Presently we are just observing developments,” Kabalu said. He said, however, the MILF is not clo­sing the door to a peace deal. Last Wednesday, President Macapagal-Arroyo approved the draft peace accord with the MILF. Kabalu said the MILF is not interested in looking at it as long as the military does not return to its original position before the Pikit operations. Full Story