Norway can still help with peace talks, Palace clarifies

MANILA, Philippines — Norway can remain as third-party facilitator in talks with communist rebels even if the government wants the negotiations to be held in the Philippines, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said all parties who have been involved in the talks in the past may continue to do so if they wish. 

"I would like to clarify that Norway can still have a role in the ongoing peace talks with the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army)," Roque said in a press briefing in Cotabato City. 

"I would like to emphasize the desire of our president to pursue the talks; but a third-party facilitator does not have to be abroad to facilitate the peace talks," he 
added. 

On Monday, replied in the negative when asked by a reporter if a third-party facilitator is still needed for the talks. 

"Wala na po siguro, nandito na naman tayo sa Pilipinas (Perhaps there is no need for it. We are here in the Philippines)," Roque said.

"But you know, any party who wants to help and who’s been involved in the process can help. But the point of the president is he does not understand why we have to talk in another country," he added. 

Hours after the press briefing, Roque released a statement saying he was referring to the venue of the talks when he made the remark. 

"We hope this sets the record straight that what I said is any peace negotiation that would be entered into by the Philippine government and communist rebels should be held inside the country," Roque's statement read.

READ:  Dureza urged to apologize for 'irresponsible journalism' remarks

Presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza described as a "total fabrication" and "irresponsible journalism" reports stating that Norway is no longer a facilitator in the peace negotiations. 

"In fact, I am now in Oslo, Norway to attend an International Forum on Conflict Mediation and to express our country’s gratitude for Norway’s significant and continuing support to the long drawn peace negotiations with the left," Dureza said in a statement.  

"I am also here to explain to them the reason why the planned resumption of the peace talks discussed during backchannel meetings, was reset," he added, referring to the government's decision to push back the resumption of talks to review the agreements to be signed with the communists. 

Some members of the media sent copies of the transcript of the press briefing to Dureza's office. 

Dureza said Noway has remained "patient, resilient and steadfast" in helping the Filipino people despite the challenges that came with the long negotiations with the communists. — Alexis Romero