(UPDATED) Govt, NDF met to discuss the postponement of the scheduled June 28 talks
-Both Parties met for backchannel talks in The Netherlands on June 18-20.
-The NDF was led by its chief negotiator Fidel Agcaoili while the GRP was led by peace panel member Nani Agsalud Braganza.
-The two parties issued separate statements after the meeting.
-The parties reaffirmed their commitment to all signed agreements.
-The Royal Norwegian Government is still the Third Party Facilitator.
-NDF is firm on its position that the agreement for a foreign neutral venue is non-negotiable.
-The planned meeting between Prof. Joma Sison and Pres. Rody Duterte is still on.
-No new timeline except the 3-month postponement demanded by Duterte.
-The government conveyed its decision to suspend all backchannel talks with the NDF pending the three-month review of all signed agreements. But the two parties can communicate if necessary.
-However, the 3-month postponement will be used by both Parties to conduct separate consultations on the substantive agenda of the talks. (Social and Economic Reforms; Political and Constitutional Reforms; and End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces)
