Filipino authorities grant immunity to National Democratic Front negotiators till the end of negotiations. Hope is now possible for a positive resolution to the 40-year conflict.

Manila (AsiaNews/ Agencies) – The Government of the Philippines and the Communist-dominated National Democratic Front (NDF) have agreed to resume peace talks in Oslo (Norway) after a five-year hiatus, presidential peace talks adviser Avelino Razon Jr said. As part of the process Filipino authorities are ready to restore an immunity agreement to protect 87 rebel negotiators and consultants starting tomorrow till the end of the negotiations.

“The prospects for a return to the peace negotiating table are very good,” Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said, after negotiators from the two sides held informal meetings in Oslo last month, facilitated by Norwegian officials.

Plans for peace talks were made after the authorities held talks with rebel leaders Josè Maria Sison and Luis Jalandoni, who have lived in exile for years in the Netherlands.

Negotiations between Manila and Communist rebels collapsed in 2004 when the government refused to have the rebel organisation and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, removed from a list of terrorist groups. At the same time the government had insisted on a ceasefire as precondition for the talks, something which the rebels were not willing to do.

If talks are successful they would bring to an end a conflict that has lasted since 1969 and involved 69 of the Philippines 81 provinces.

Over this period of time more than 40,000 people died as a result of fighting between government forces and the Maoist-led insurgency.

• philippines talks negotiations peace communist maoists national democratic front ndf new people’s army 1969 40
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