KUALA LUMPUR - Rebels from the restive south said Friday that negotiations to end a bloody insurgency could take years but are the "only way" to ensure peace.
Hassan Taib, left, speaks as Adam Nor, right, from National Revolution Front listens during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. Both Thailand and rebels from the country's Muslim-majority south agreed on Thursday to scale back violence in the region during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan starting in July. (AFP photo)
More than 5,500 people have died in the near decade-long insurgency in the three Muslim-majority provinces bordering Malaysia.
Talks between the government and representatives of the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) have so far failed to halt near-daily violence.
Negotiations could last "two or three years" or even longer, said BRN representative Hassan Taib, who is chief of the group's foreign liaison office in Malaysia.
"There is no indication how long it will take... We hope that all sides will be patient and see these talks through," he said in rare comments to foreign media.
"These talks are our best shot. War does not solve anything. This issue can only be solved through negotiations; that is the only way even if it takes a long time," he added.
Thailand and the separatists agreed late Thursday to scale back violence in the country's south during the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which is expected to last from July 9 to Aug 7.
Thailand had expressed impatience at the continuing insurgent violence earlier on Thursday, before the day-long talks came to an end.
National Security Council chief Lt-Gen Paradorn Pattanatabut, Bangkok's lead negotiator, told reporters he needed "concrete outcomes" in terms of reduced violence, so he could "answer to the people".
Despite two rounds of peace talks since March, continued bloodshed has raised questions over how much control rebel leaders have over radical militants.
Mr Hassan acknowledged that there were divisions, but said those trying to undermine the negotiations were "mainly individuals with their own interests", while he hoped those who wanted a resolution would join the talks.
"We are only just beginning these negotiations. We intend to include all parties so it goes well," he said.
The army chief said on Friday that he is yet to consider the details of demands resulting from the latest round of talks between Thailand and the BRN.
The demands will be discussed by the government, he said, indicating that a lengthy process would ensue, before any final decisions are made.
"Details of the terms and conditions for a violence-free Ramadan in the deep South will be provided at the earliest opportunity," a joint statement released on Thursday night said.
"The BRN shall provide detailed clarification on the five initial demands they previously submitted to the Thai government. Upon receipt of this submission, the Thai side is committed to providing a response through the facilitator at the earliest possible date," it said.
It is thought that insurgents may call on security forces to suspend searches, arrests and raids for Ramadan, a source inside the Thai negotiating team said on Thursday.
The source said the BRN had reaffirmed that it also wants Bangkok to accept their five demands announced in a YouTube video posted in April.
The insurgents want Malaysia to mediate the talks, rather than just facilitate; the unconditional release of political prisoners; the recognition of the BRN as the "Patani" liberation movement; the participation of other Asean members in the talks; and for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and other non-governmental organisations to witness the talks.
Gen Prayuth adopted a wait-and-see approach, saying the army was ready to continue protecting the southern border provinces if peace could not be realised.
But he said he hoped for the return of public safety to the border region during the approaching Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
"I don't give anybody credit, because so far there is no sign that the situation is improving," he said.
Nimu Makaje, a respected religious leader in the South, greeted the result of the meeting and said the agreement on violence reduction during the fasting period will test the authority of the BRN in directing for peace for separatists on the ground.
Ramadan is the holy month for Muslims and should be a month for peace and safety for people, he said.
The Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) in the far South praised efforts to bring peace during the period. The result was encouraging for people in the far South, Col Pramote Prom-in, spokesman for the Isoc Region 4, said. Security authorities will provide measures for public safety and facilitate activities during the fasting month, he added.
The two sides agreed to hold another round of talks after Ramadan.
