Arroyo leaves for Qatar

MANILA, Philippines — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo left early Saturday morning for Qatar for what Malacañang claimed is a three-day mission of "peace," government radio dzRB reported. The report said Arroyo is expected to arrive in Doha at 5:30 p.m. (Manila time), for a meeting with top Qatari business executives. She was also to touch base with Filipino overseas workers (OFWs) there during her trip at the Sheraton Dohal Hotel and Resort, where she will stay during her Qatar visit. A Palace statement earlier said Arroyo will meet with Philippine ambassadors in the Middle East countries, and touch on the impact of the global economic debacle on Filipino job placements abroad. Presidential peace process adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said the Philippines views Qatar as an "international guarantor" in talks between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Esperon said the MILF had been calling for international guarantors in the peace process and Qatar could be one of them. Informal talks between the government and the MILF are expected to start shortly after Arroyo's official visit to Qatar, possibly by Dec. 22. - GMANews.TV