DISAPPOINTING OUTCOME OF THIRD ROUND OF FORMAL TALKS IN OSLO
By Prof. Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant
Press Statement
26 June 2004

The Negotiating Panels of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) made important agreements in the third round of formal talks from 22-24 June 2004 in Oslo, Norway.

Unfortunately, the GRP Negotiating Panel made impossible the incorporation of such agreements in a single solemn document.

The two Negotiating Panels have made two separate drafts of a communiqué and only the NDFP Panel has come out with a communiqué on the third round of formal talks.

It is disappointing that the Macapagal-Arroyo regime sent the GRP Panel to Oslo only to conjure the illusion that Macapagal-Arroyo was interested in peace negotiations while waiting for her proclamation by Congress as the newly-elected president on 24 June.

It appears that Macapagal-Arroyo, whom many believe was fraudulently elected on 10 May 2004, overestimates herself and wants to impress everyone that she has no need for the peace negotiations.

The outcome of the third round of formal talks is disappointing because of the chicanery and bad faith of the US-Arroyo regime.

The relationship between the GRP and NDFP Negotiating Panels would fast deteriorate if there is no effort to save and realize the agreements made in the third round of formal talks.

The NDFP Negotiating Panel is studying the possibility of arranging with the GRP Negotiating Panel a common document to incorporate the agreements in the third round of talks before the next round slated for 23 to 30 August 2004.#