Muslim rebels agree Philippines talks

A breakaway Muslim separatist group in the Philippines, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front MILF, is to open peace talks with the government next month.

The move follows an accord signed in Malaysia between rebel representatives and Philippines government negotiators seeking an end to the long-running armed struggle for control of the southern Philippines.

President Gloria Arroyo, who declared a unilateral ceasefire last month, said in Manila that the rebels had also agreed to suspend offensive operations.

A rebel spokesman confirmed that the group would declare a formal ceasefire to its forces on the main southern island of Mindanao.

The MILF carried on with its military campaign after the larger Moro National Liberation Front MNLF renounced the separatist rebellion in 1996 in exchange for limited Muslim self-rule.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service