Peace Adviser optimistic on outcome of 3rd round of GRP-NDF peace talks

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 17): Peace Adviser optimistic on outcome of 3rd round of GRP-NDF peace talks

Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Jesus Dureza believes there will be positive outcome during the resumption of peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) which takes place in Rome, Italy on January 19 to 25.

In a statement released by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Tuesday, Dureza said the third round of the peace negotiation hopes to tackle the unfinished discussions on the proposed bilateral ceasefire and the release of political prisoners.

Dureza said the crucial agenda items on socio-economic reforms, constitutional, political reforms and end of hostilities and disposition are also on the table of discussion.

“These issues, although difficult, are surmountable with both sides sharing common aspirations for peace,” he said.

He said the preparatory work and engagements by both parties headed by Labor Secretary and Chair of the GRP panel Silvestre Bello and NDF chair Fidel Agcaoili hope for possible significant progress of the talks with the facilitation of Norwegian team headed by Ambassador Elisabeth Slattum.

“President (Rodrigo) Duterte has instructed the government panel to work for an early settlement of the issues as he calls on the nation to provide support to the efforts to ultimately bring peace,” Dureza said.

He said the outcomes of the third round of the talks can bring the country close to achieving some possible milestones for sustainable peace.

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