There has been some progress in peace talks between the Philippine government and communist movement NDFP in Asker during the weekend and the parties have agreed to meet again in January next year.
The parties have more or less been at war for 47 years. Norway has facilitated the peace process between the government and communist guerrillas since 2001.
The negotiations have been marked by failure and lack of consensus but after the presidential election in May this year peace process was resumed.
Agreement was reached in Oslo during August this year on issues that have blocked progress for many years, and this weekend were held a new round of peace negotiations between the Philippine government and communist movement the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) at Holmen Fjordhotell in Asker.
The parties discussed about topics including social, economic and political reforms that will lead to a solution of the conflict. These include amnesties and permanent ceasefire.
In a joint declaration of the meetings of the weekend, the parties reported that the talks will resume next January.
Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today
