Oslo talks is considered a ‘milestone’ for the Duterte government.
Oslo talks, which refers to the peace talks held in Oslo, Norway gave an opportunity for the negotiating bodies of the Philippine Government and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to take the negotiation on a lighter note.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza considered the just concluded talks a ‘milestone’ for the Duterte administration because unlike what was expected, it turned out to be a lively and happy discussion.
Dureza said that there was no crossfire of shouting and yelling between the government delegates and National Democratic Front (NDF) in the four-day negotiation. Instead, both negotiating panels have agreed to six major agenda where the discussion have been fast and cordial but sincere and meaningful.
The presidential adviser happily disclosed that there were several occasions when the panels cracked jokes and laughed together in the course of the discussion at the Holmenkollen park Hotel.
Dureza said the negotiation was concluded with a boodle fight dinner where the host government, Royal Norwegian Government (RNG), also joined them and later expressed their contentment and happiness for the peaceful negotiation which also forms part of their history.
Part of the highlights of the Oslo talks is the agreement of both panels for the strengthening of the indefinite ceasefire declared by the Duterte government while the discussion on the details of the contents of the negotiated political settlement is in progress.
Both negotiating parties also agreed to hasten the peace negotiations which will focus on socio-economic reforms, political and constitutional reforms and the cessation of violence and the putting down of arms of the rebels.
The details on amnesty proclamation, joint monitoring committees, releasing of the NDFP personnel who remain imprisoned and the mechanics of the ceasefire will yet be discussed.
Before heading back home, both negotiating panels will sign and read the joint statement on the ‘successful’ facilitation of the negotiation.
“Not only has President Duterte walked the extra mile. He has also taken a step back to give the NDF space under his democratic and inclusive government”, said Dureza.
“We will go home with a promise of a just and lasting peace and our soldiers and the combatants of the NDF finally coming to terms that the war must end”.