PHL chief negotiator hopes for steadfastness of both parties in Oslo peace talks

By Priam F. Nepomuceno

MANILA, Oct. 7 (PNA) -- The Philippine government's (GRP) chief negotiator, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, has expressed confidence that the same steadfastness demonstrated in the first round of peace talks would continue to

dominate the second round of negotiations being held in Oslo, Norway on October 6-10.

"Together with (Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process) Secretary Jesus Dureza, I am privileged to open this round of formal peace talks with the NDF (National Democratic Front).

I am confident that the steadfastness of both parties in resuming the peace talks last month will continue to animate our task for this round of talks, which are the harmonization of the exchanged draft frameworks and outlines of our respective working committees are supposed to discuss and agree during this round of talks on a common draft agreement on joint ceasefire," he said.

Bello also expressed hope that the signing by the panels of the joint ceasefire this October, as envisioned during the first round of talks, would take place.

"(This) is being awaited by our public, especially by those communities that continue to be prejudiced by the armed conflict," he added.

Bello stated that the significant impact of the indefinite ceasefire declared by the parties cannot be overemphasized, including the confidence of the peace constituency on the peace process.

"We note that the ceasefire is holding until this day, with no major violations reported by either party. This is an unparalleled achievement of the table, which should inspire us to advance the negotiations," he added.

He further noted that in this round of talks, there is also a need to complete the negotiations in the next 12 months.

This will provide ample time for the Duterte administration to efficiently implement the agreements reached, he said.

"We trust the NDF will still be with us in the implementation of these agreements. I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the designation of Ka Fidel Agcaoili as the new chairman of the NDF panel. 

I also thank Ka Louie Jalandoni for his contribution to the peace talks. I trust he will continue to journey with us in seeking a negotiated political settlement of the armed conflict," Bello pointed out.

He took the opportunity to thank the Norwegian government, the third party facilitator, for "their enabling support to the Philippine peace process". (PNA)
CVL/PFN