Duterte says PH committed to peace

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 17): Duterte says PH committed to peace

President Rodrigo R. Duterte has assured Norway that the Philippines remains committed to peace despite his refusal to resume peace talks with communist rebels, Malacañang said.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this statement after Duterte on Thursday (February 15) met with Idun Tvedt, Norwegian special envoy to the peace process between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

Tvedt made a courtesy call at the Presidential Guest House in Davao City.

Roque said that during the more than an hour meeting, Duterte renewed his commitment to achieve just and lasting peace in the country, especially in Mindanao.

He said Duterte welcomed Norway's expression of commitment and stressed that the goal of peace must be achieved with due regard for the national interest of the Philippines.

The spokesperson also described the discussion between Duterte and Tvedt as “warm and open.”

On the other hand, Tvedt reiterated the commitment of the Norwegian Government to assist the Philippines in its peace process with communist rebels.

Tvedt described the courtesy call as "productive."

Tvedt was accompanied by Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Erik Førner, Deputy Chief of Mission Kristian Netland and Senior Advisor William Hovland.

On the Philippine side, in attendance were Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza and Department of Foreign Affairs Acting Assistant Secretary Robert Ferrer.....

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025585