OSLO PEACE TALKS: Negotiations run into rough watersOSLO, Norway – Peace negotiations between the Philippine Government (GRP) and National Democratic Front (NDF) encountered rough waters Friday, as both parties tried to vigorously advance their conflicting stands on the release of political prisoners, a permanent general ceasefire, and the adoption of social and economic reforms. Sison’s remarks came after the NDF was not satisfied with the status report given by the GRP on the amnesty proclamation and releases of the political prisoners. Otherwise, he proposed that while the two camps continue to talk peace, “we can go on with the fighting.”GRP Peace Panel Chairman Silvestre Bello III said the government position was to schedule all the releases after the peace deal with the NDF is signed. We also want exhaustive discussions on how we, the GRP, and the NDF can agree on a share view of the future for the Philippines,” Braganza said. As such, he said the GRP remained committed to signing the CASER within the first year of President Duterte’s term.

Source: Manila Bulletin October 08, 2016 10:07 UTC