Duterte gov’t, Reds agree to continue peace talks

By: 8 years ago

Communist rebel negotiator Fidel Agcaoili, right, gestures during a rare news conference, Thursday, June 2, 2016 in Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Philippines. Agcaoili said communist guerrillas demand an end to US military presence in the Philippines as the insurgents and the government of incoming President Rodrigo Duterte brace to resume long-stalled peace talks. Agcaoili said the guerrilla demand "is non-negotiable," adding that government and rebel negotiators were preparing to meet in Europe soon and discuss the resumption of peace negotiations, which could start as early as July. At left is negotiator Randall Echanis. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

Communist rebel negotiator Fidel Agcaoili, right, gestures during a news conference on June 2, 2016, in Quezon City. The insurgents and the government of incoming-President Rodrigo Duterte have agreed to continue peace talks. AP FILE

OSLO, Norway — The Philippines peace talks appear to be back on track after two days of informal talks in Norway between communist rebels and the incoming government of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.

Negotiators signed an agreement Thursday to formally resume talks next month after Duterte assumes office.

The rebels have been fighting for a Marxist state since 1969 in one of Asia’s longest-running insurgencies.

President-elect Duterte takes office June 30, so the delegation in Oslo has no authority to commit to anything officially. However, the mere presence of the Philippines delegation signifies a change in Manila’s approach.

Both sides are aware that much remains to be discussed and that agreeing to talks will perhaps be the easiest part of this new dialogue. The talks involve implementing a cease-fire and amnesty on both sides.

Sison: Duterte just, reasonable; peace talks with him to succeed