PRESIDENTIAL Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. on Saturday reminded the supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army, and National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) to avoid setting preconditions that could derail the upcoming peace discussions with the government.
Galvez’s call came on the heels of the Joint Statement signed by both parties wherein they expressed their clear intention to end the decades-long armed conflict and armed struggle and transform the members of the CPP-NPA-NDF.
“There should be no preconditions whatsoever, as these can derail future discussions. As we have learned from our past experiences, making such preconditions even before the start of the discussions puts a huge burden on both sides when there is still a need to agree on the parameters and framework of the talks,” he said.
“Our future discussions should be rules-based, consultative, inclusive, and most importantly, all issues from both sides should be formally put on the table and not through other unofficial platforms,” Galvez added.
He was referring to recent statements from different groups, citing supposed preconditions to the talks.
Galvez pointed out that making such demands while both sides are still in the exploratory phase is unnecessary and counterproductive to the peace process.
“I would like to urge other parties to respect the Joint Statement and Oslo Joint Communiqué and not make preconditions or release propaganda that will water down the peace-building efforts of the previous and current administrations,” he said.
“We respect and appreciate your suggestions. But now is not the time to issue such premature and provocative statements that will compromise the initial ‘goodwill’ that has been painstakingly built in Oslo,” Galvez emphasized.
New chapter in the peace process
The Peace Adviser clarified that the latest peace engagement with the CPP-NPA-NDF is not a resumption or a restart of the previous talks but is a “new beginning, a new chapter” in the peace process.
Galvez said that the forthcoming dialogue will give the parties greater flexibility to engage in meaningful, honest discussions and, by doing so, allow the peace process to move forward at a more definite and faster pace.
“Since the beginning of his administration, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been consistent in calling for national reconciliation and unity. The President has been open to implementing solutions that will bring a resolution to internal strife and put an end to local armed conflict throughout the country,” he said.
According to Galvez, the Marcos administration is utilizing all avenues that will enable it to achieve peace, national reconciliation, and unity.
“We need to unite as a country to resolve the major challenges that we are facing. To achieve this, we shall rally behind the President’s vision to bring a principled and peaceful resolution to the armed conflict and put an end to the armed struggle,” he added.
On November 23, both parties signed a Joint Statement in Oslo, Norway, agreeing to a principled and peaceful resolution to the armed conflict and an end to the armed struggle, recognizing the need for the nation to unite in the face of serious socioeconomic, environmental, and foreign security issues.
Source: The Manila Times
