MANILA, Philippines – The government of Norway, the third party facilitator of the on-going talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front, cited that military solution will not settle the long-standing insurgency problem in the country.
Norway’s State Secretary Espen Bath Eide pointed out that both parties must need to sit down and address the root cause of the conflict and “talk about basic social, economic and political reforms.”
He added that political and negotiated settlements are required to achieve an insurgent-free nation.
“There are many paths to peace but political, social and economic problems have no ultimate military solutions,” said Eide.
“Long lasting peace requires a negotiated solution,” he pointed out.
He also urged the GRP and the NDF to continue to talk until a solution is reached, saying “dialogue is not acceptance but an attempt to promote your own interests and values”.
The peace negotiation between the two parties resumed Tuesday after six years of suspension.