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Army chief Anupong identifies rebel leader

Army chief General Anupong Paochinda identified on Thursday the self-proclaimed speaker of separatist groups who announced an end to the violence in the south.

Anupong said Malipieng has tried to unify various separatist groups but failed because the members did not believe in his leadership.

Anupong identified him as Mali Peng Khan, a former militant who was active in the 1984-1987. He said Mali Peng became inactive after 1987.

The Army chief insisted, "Fundamentally, there is no and will be no negotiation with separatist. Only legal procedure against them can be taken."

Any attempt to negotiate with the separatists is "unacceptable".

Anupong said he had no prior knowledge about the Thursday's announcement on Armyrun TV5.

"I was only informed about that Chetta wanted to talk about the violence in the south," Anupong said.

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