Cotabato, Philippines, June 1, SPA -- Muslim rebels saidWednesday that their followers want them to negotiate forself-rule in the southern Philippines under a number ofproposals, including full independence, to end decades ofseparatist rebellion. Moro Islamic Liberation Front leaders said large numbersof followers expressed their sentiments during a three-dayassembly held ahead of the resumption of Malaysian-brokered peace talks. Rebel spokesman Eid Kabalu said the assembly would issue aresolution Wednesday authorizing the rebels front tonegotiate for a peaceful settlement of the conflict. Rebelefforts to secure such grassroots permission indicatesubstantial progress in the talks, which have beenbolstered by a two-year cease-fire, according to a report of the Associated Press.--SPA1356 Local Time 1056 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/266714