President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday sought Norway's help in reviving failed peace talks with the National Democratic Front, his peace adviser said, nearly a year after negotiations hosted by Oslo fell apart.
Aquino met Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende after the visiting diplomat said Norway remained committed to mediating negotiations between Manila and the NDF in a bid to end the 45-year old insurgency.
"While serious problems have confronted and continue to challenge this particular peace process, the president affirmed the government's commitment to pursue a peaceful settlement of all internal armed conflict," presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles said after the meeting.
The communist insurgency has claimed 30,000 lives since 1969 according to government estimates, though its armed force is down to about 4,000 guerrillas from more than 26,000 in the late 1980s.
"The government of the Philippines will continue to consult with Norway as to how the process may move forward in light of current difficulties," said Deles.
In April last year the government announced that the peace talks being brokered by Norway had collapsed, dampening hopes of a political settlement before the Aquino’s term ends in 2016.
Speaking to reporters earlier Thursday, Brende urged the government and rebels to consider returning to the negotiating table in the coming months.
"We are looking at the opportunities to resume talks in the future ... during the (Aquino) presidency," Brende said after meeting with Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario.
On Sunday Luis Jalandoni, the Netherlands-based chief rebel negotiator, said in a statement to news organizations that they were holding the Aquino government "responsible for stopping the peace process."
He accused the government of failing to honor agreements between the negotiators, including the release of detained rebels who the NDF claims are consultants.
"Because of the Aquino government's refusal to comply ... the prospects this year of the peace negotiations between the Aquino administration and the (rebels) are dim," he said.
The government has had better results in negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, with which it hopes to sign a treaty before Aquino leaves office.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/78381/aquino-seeks-norways-help-to-revive-talks-with-reds
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