The World : Philippine Talks Break Off

Muslim rebels and Philippine government negotiators suspended peace talks after members of the Moro National Liberation Front demanded that the government of President Corazon Aquino investigate the clash between soldiers and guerrillas in Zamboanga del Sur province on Mindanao island. Habib Hashim, chief negotiator for the Muslim guerrillas, said his side would not return to the conference table unless the Aquino government withdrew soldiers from around the site where the first major clash since September’s cease-fire agreement took place earlier this week. Hashim said the rebels also demand “a reasonable and acceptable” proposal for Muslim autonomy.