Norway reaffirms support for government-NDFP peace talks

MANILA, Philippines — The Norwegian government on Tuesday expressed support for the resumption of peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Eric Førner said he is pleased that the representatives of the government peace panel and the NDF will meet for a new round of talks. They are scheduled to meet form April 2 to 6, 2017 in Noordwijk, a seaside resort town in South Holland also known for its flower farms.

“Despite challenges along the way, the parties continue to show their commitment to peace. Norway will continue to assist parties as the third-party facilitator of the peace process,” Førner said.

Last March 10 and 11, the government and the NDFP held informal talks in Utrecht, Netherlands, where they agreed to resume the fourth and fifth round of talks. The fourth round will focus on issues such as social and economic reforms as well bilateral ceasefire.

The talks will be chaired by the Royal Norwegian Government led by Elizabeth Stattum.

The armed conflict between the Philippine government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-NDFP has lasted for more than 50 years. Norway has been facilitating the peace process since 2001. —Rosette Adel