New Round of Philippine peace negotiation started in Oslo

Philippine Peace minister Jesus Dureza (R) and Jose Maria Sison (NDFP)OSLO.Philippine Peace minister Jesus Dureza (R) and Jose Maria Sison (NDFP).Photo:Berit Roald / NTB scanpix

A new round of peace negotiations between the Philippine government and communist movement, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), begins in Oslo on Thursday.
The Parties shall discuss the social, economic and political reforms that will lead to a solution getting out of the conflict. Among other things amnesties and permanent ceasefire shall be negotiated, reports the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The parties have been at war for almost 47 years. Norway has facilitated the peace process between the government and communist guerrillas since 2001.

Peace negotiations resumed after the presidential elections in the Philippines on May this year. In August the parties negotiated for five days in Oslo and they agreed to a ceasefire and to reach a peace agreement within a year.

Foreign Minister Børge Brende will meet the parties during their stay. The peace negotiations will take place from October 6th to 11th.

 

Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today