Palace hails appointment of new Norwegian envoy to PH-NDF talks

October 25, 2017

Malacanang welcomed on Wednesday the appointment of Norwegian diplomat Idun Tvedt as the new special envoy to the peace process between the Government of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

This was an apparent indication that the peace talks with the communist rebels, which were stalled since May, could resume.

"Ms Tvedt’s range of knowledge and experience in peace and reconciliation will greatly aid in our peace process initiatives," said Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella in a statement.

"We look forward to working with her as we seek a pacific resolution to the deeply rooted conflicts in the country," he said.

Norway has been the third party facilitator in the peace process between the Philippines and the NDF, the political wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army.

The fifth round of peace negotiation did not push through in May after Duterte decided to cancel it due to the attacks by the rebels on government troops.

In July, Duterte decided to abandon the talks because of the continued atrocities by the rebels.

But last week, Duterte said the government would talk again with the Maoist group. Celerina Monte/DMS