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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Norway hails PH gov't, NDFP on revival of peace talks

Norway hails PH gov't, NDFP on revival of peace talks

Published Nov 29, 2023 03:36 am

Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister Espen Barth Eide on Wednesday, Nov. 29, lauded the resumption of peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

PH gov't_NDFP.jpg(Photo from the Presidential Communications Office)

Norway, which has mediated the Philippines’ process for around 20 years, facilitated the start of the peace process between the government and the NDFP.

“I would like to congratulate the government of the Philippines and the communist movement NDFP on their decision to start formal peace negotiations,” Eide said in a statement posted on its official website.

Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. revealed that the government and the NDFP signed the “Oslo Joint Communique” on Nov. 23 at Oslo City Hall through Royal Norwegian Government (NRG) Special Envoy Kristina Lie Revheim.

The start of the peace negotiations between the government and NDFP “is an important and timely step towards securing lasting peace in the Philippines,” the Norwegian foreign affairs chief stressed.

“I was honored to be present at the signing ceremony and to witness the commitment of both Parties to bring more than 50 years of conflict to an end,” Eide stated as he emphasized the important role of dialogue and diplomacy “in a turbulent world.”

The resumption of peace talks will see the government re-engage with the New People’s Army (NPA), the military wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), for the first time in six years after peace negotiations broke down during the previous Duterte administration.

Eide said that the Norwegian government is looking forward to continue its support for the Philippines and the NDFP in the process towards final peace agreement.

European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron also welcomed the announcement of the start of the peace talks.

“Exciting news! The Philippine government and National Democratic Front have agreed to revive peace talks after six years. A promising step towards a peaceful resolution! The EU stands firmly behind this process, supporting peace and dialogue,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

If negotiations succeed between the two parties, the communist rebels must end their armed struggle and transform into a political movement.

Successive administrations have held peace talks with the communist group through the NDFP, their Netherlands-based political arm, since 1986.

When former president Duterte won in 2016, there was optimism for peace talks, though this later on crumbled as the former chief executive cut them off in 2017. He declared the group a terrorist organization and accused them of killing the police and military while negotiations undergoing.

Related Tags

CPP-NPA Peace talks NDFP Espen Barth Eide Norway
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