MANILA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Thursday that a leader of a separatist Muslim group has agreed to talk peace with the government again.
Duterte broke the news during a news conference after meeting with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Musuari at the Malacanang presidential palace.
"It is with great happiness that I announce to the nation that Chairman Nur Misuari, our brother who heads the MNLF, has finally decided to just accept my invitation for him to talk to us," Duterte said.
He added that Misuari, 77, has obliged to travel from the remote Sulu province to meet with him at the palace.
"There is the pending warrant which is lifted now upon my orders so that we can talk," Duterte said, assuring Misuari that "there was never any intention to deprive you of your liberty."
Misuari vowed to help Duterte in pursuing peace especially in Mindanao region, home of many Filipino Muslims.
"I cannot reject his invitation because I respect him too much," Misuari said, adding he came to the palace to personally thank Duterte for "restoring my freedom if only partially."
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