Islamist rebels seek talks

Jolo - Declaring they want peace, about 100 Islamist rebels emerged from their mountain hideout in the southern Philippines for talks yesterday, and a negotiator said there was a 5050 chance they might soon free an ailing German woman among their captives. The unexpected meeting between the Abu Sayyaf (Father of the Sword) guerrillas and the Muslim provincial governor, Mr Abdusakur Tan, revived hopes of a breakthrough in the stalled negotiations for the release of the hostages.