MALAYSIA GETS ANOTHER MANDATE TO LEAD MONITORING TEAM IN MINDANAO

BAGAN DATOH (Malaysia), Feb 21 (Bernama) -- Once again, Malaysia has been given
the mandate to lead the International Monitoring Team (IMT) to Mindanao,
Philippines.

Defence Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the team would comprise
representatives from Japan, Qatar, Brunei, Indonesia and European Union
member countries.

"The team will be led by an officer with the rank of major-general or
brigadier-general from the Malaysian Armed Forces," he told reporters after
opening the 1Malaysia community clinic here Sunday.

Ahmad Zahid said the IMT was expected to start the monitoring operation on Feb 28.

The IMT plays a critical role in supporting peace negotiations between the
Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and in continuing
the momentum for the resolution of the conflict in Mindanao.

The earlier mission led by Malaysia was concluded in September 2008.
-- BERNAMA