11.   The United States is brokering the negotiations and U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher is expected back in the region next month.

12.   Abat rejected the participation of the Organization of the Islamic Conference in brokering negotiations with the MILF, as it did in the landmark accord with the MNLF.

13.   The two sides on Sunday said the talks succeeded due to the flexibility on both sides and the participation of OIC which has brokered the negotiations.

14.   The Libyan government which previously brokered negotiations with the Abu Sayyaf for the release of foreign kidnap victims was also accused of channeling ransom payments to the group.