Resumption of talks with the communist rebels in Oslo, Norway set on August 22

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 11): Resumption of talks with the communist rebels in Oslo, Norway set on August 22

Office on the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza confirmed that peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army will push through as planned on August 22 in Oslo, Norway.

Speaking to reporters, he said all preparations towards the formal resumption of negotiations with the CNN will happen as scheduled.

Dureza explained traveling the peace road is not well paved, that is why there are incidents of skirmishes that would happen in between.

“There will be humps and bumps along the way but we stay the course,” he said.

Dureza said the ultimatum issued by the president on the use of landmines is very clear.

He reiterated the president’s warning that if ever another landmine explodes, the peace talks with the communist rebels will be called off.

“That’s the president’s statement. We do not have to interpret it, assess it or speculate on it,” Dureza said. 

Even then, he said that the government is working on the release of the members of the communist movement which are needed in the negotiations.

“They have to be released on the basis of judicial processes.  Three of them are due to be out from the Supreme Court’s order.  We are now dealing with the release of those with cases in the regional trial courts and hope that they can join in the August 22 formal opening,” Dureza said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2381470730999/resumption-of-talks-with-the-communist-rebels-in-oslo-norway-set-on-august-22