Philippines plans separatist peace deal by Ramadan

The Philippines government has said it aims to sign a peace deal with Muslim separatists in time for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan later this year.

Defence Secretary Avelino Cruz said the deal would end the Moro Islamic Liberation Front's fight for a separate state in the southern island of Mindanao.

He said Manila was confident a political settlement would be reached before the start of Ramadan.

Mr Cruz said negotiations were in the final stages, with both parties firming up the details about how to handle traditional Muslim lands, where the MILF would be entitled to a share of economic development.

The separtatists have been waging a bloody rebellion since 1978,

The government signed a ceasefire pact 2003 and the MILF has denounced its links with foreign Islamic militant groups, including the Jemaah Islamiyah network.

- RADIO AUSTRALIA