CHA-AM, THAILAND—The Philippine government is seeking the resumption of the stalled peace talks with the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The proposal to resume the talks dominated discussions during the brief bilateral meeting between President Macapagal-Arroyo and Malaysian Prime Minister Addullah Ahmad Badawi on the sidelines of the 14th ASEAN Leaders Summit here.

National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzalez Jr., who attended the bilateral meeting, said Ms Arroyo wanted the talks to resume, so she asked Malaysia to help initiate moves for both negotiating panels to meet again.

Badawi agreed to help facilitate the resumption of the negotiations. He also assured Ms Arroyo of Malaysia’s continued commitment to support the peace process in Mindanao.

Gonzalez could not say when the talks would resume. “No date was mentioned but I am assuming it would be as soon as possible,” he said.

The bilateral meeting was also attended by Rafael Seguis, head of the government panel in the peace negotiations.

The Philippine government called off negotiations with the MILF after the Supreme Court last year ruled as “unconstitutional” a memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain that would have carved out an expanded Bangsamoro land for Muslims in Mindanao.

Gonzalez said it was explained to the Malaysians that because the Supreme Court had ruled on the ancestral domain issue, the Philippine government could not do anything about it.

“We told them that just like in Malaysia, you accept the decision of the Supreme Court,” he said.