By Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos
Malacañang has said that Norway remains committed to assist the government in its peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front following the termination of the peace talks.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Idun Tvedt, Norwegian Special Envoy to the Peace Process between the GPH and the CPP-NPA-NDF, paid a courtesy call on President Duterte in Davao City Thursday.
Roque, in a statement, described the one-hour meeting with the President and the lady envoy as “warm and open.” Tvedt expressed that Norway is ready to assist in the peace negotiations if and when it is revived.
“The Special Envoy reiterated the commitment of the Norwegian Government to assist the Philippines in its peace process with the CPP-NPA-NDF,” Roque said.
Duterte welcomed the gesture of the Norwegian government and said that the Philippines also remains committed to peace.
“The President welcomed Norway’s expression of commitment and stressed that the goal of peace must be achieved with due regard for the national interest of the Philippines,” Roque said. “The President stressed that the Philippines is committed to peace,” he added.
Duterte originally promised to talk peace with the communist rebels during his term but their supposed insincerity to the talks prompted the President to officially terminate the negotiations when he inked Proclamation No. 360 last Nov. 23.
