Norway appoints new envoy to gov't, NDF peace process

MANILA, Philippines — The Royal Norwegian Government on Wednesday announced that it has appointed a new special envoy to the peace process between the Government of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

Norwegian Embassy said Oslo-based diplomat Idun Tvedt is the new facilitator of the Philippine government and the communist movement’s armed-wing’s peace talks.  

Tvedt, who previously made a career in the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the human rights and peace areas, replaced Elisabeth Slattum who just ended her three-year term as special envoy.

According to the Norwegian Embassy, Tvedt used to work at the Norwegian Embassy in Bogota. She served as a member of the facilitation team responsible for the peace process between the Colombian government and the FARC.

The new envoy is set to visit Manila this week in her capacity as the new facilitator.

“As I am sad to see Elisabeth Slåttum go, the appointment of Idun Tvedt is a great encouragement for us. She has a high standing in the Norwegian Foreign Service and her knowledge and experience in peace and reconciliation matters are truly impressive,” Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Erik Førner said.

“The team here at the Embassy looks forward to working with her and the parties towards a peaceful solution in the conflict between the [Philippines] and the NDFP,” he added.

Likewise, the Philippine government welcomed Tvedt’s appointment and expressed willingness to working with her.

“Ms. Tvedt’s range of knowledge and experience in peace and reconciliation will greatly aid in our peace process initiatives,” Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said.

 “We look forward to working with her as we seek a pacific resolution to the deeply rooted conflicts in the country,” he added.

The NDF has been in conflict with the government for almost 50 years. Norway has been a facilitator between the two panels since 2001.

Last July, President Rodrigo Duterte said will no longer talk with communist rebels, but he vowed to pursue peace up to his last day in office and even beyond. However, on September, he departed from his earlier statement and said he is open to resume peace negotiations with the communist rebels again.