Dureza says ‘shared optimism’ as informal talks with CPP-NDF start

From GMA News (Jun 15): Dureza says ‘shared optimism’ as informal talks with CPP-NDF start

Incoming presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza reiterated Wednesday the shared optimism between peace negotiators of the incoming Duterte administration and representatives of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front as they start informal talks.

“There is evident shared optimism on both sides due to the declaration of President-Elect Rody Duterte to seek an early sustainable peace for the nation,” Dureza wrote on his Facebook page. 

In his update to answer “numerous queries and calls,” he said the six-hour talks between the CPP-NDF-New People’s Army and peace negotiations started at 5 p.m. at the Leysebu Hotel in Oslo, Norway.

Discussions will resume June 15, he said.

“Topic discussed was resumption of peace negotiations that was stalled for 4 years and its mechanics,” said Dureza.

Formal talks between the government and the NDF were last held in 2004, but backchannel discussions went on until 2014.

Among those involved in the informal talks on the side of the communists were Jose Ma. Sison, Louie Jalandoni and Fidel Agcaoili. They are accompanied by five other people.

Representing the incoming Duterte administration were Dureza, incoming Silvestre "Bebot" Bello III and former Pangasinan representative Hernani Braganza.

Dureza said both sides agreed that since the government participants have not yet assumed office, “the consensus points, if any, will be initialed for authentication purposes at the close of the informal talks and to be formalized soon after President-elect (Rodrigo) Duterte’s government has assumed office.”

Sison earlier expressed confidence that peace negotiations between their group and the incoming administration will be a success.

“There should never be any problem in the peace process that we cannot discuss and fix promptly, directly or through emissaries,” Sison said in his video message during the forum "When Blue Meets Red” held at the Ateneo de Davao last week.

“We have the necessary degree of rapport to exchange views and come to an agreement quickly in order to bring the peace process to a successful and happy conclusion,” he added.

The government of Norway has been helping the Philippine government in its peace talks with the communist movement.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/570069/news/nation/dureza-says-shared-optimism-as-informal-talks-with-cpp-ndf-start