Communists flay localised peace talks

Manila: Self-exiled leaders of the communist movement have reiterated their opposition to localised peace negotiations, while at the same time expressing their willingness to revive the long dormant talks.

Leaders of the National Democratic Front (NDF) had held a meeting with Senator Consualo "Jamby" Madrigal in Utrecht, Netherlands on November 9 and 10.

In that engagement, the lawmaker signed with Luis Jalandoni, chairman of the NDF negotiating panel, and Jose Ma. Sison, founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines, a 12-point joint statement that essentially says that the signing parties and agreed to revive the peace talks.

"It is imperative to reiterate the need for the immediate resumption of the formal talks in the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP)-NDF peace negotiations for the benefit of the Filipino people because of the impact of the global economic crisis... as well as the renewed upsurge in political killings, enforced disappearances and mass filing of false charges against political activists," says the statement signed by Madrigal and the NDF.

Manila, however, had earlier chided Madrigal for initiating talks with the Communist movement on her own. Palace officials said the senator has no authority to represent the government in such critical negotiations.

Amnesty plan

In their joint statement, the NDF and Madrigal expressed their opposition to localised amnesty programmes being initiated by the government in the grassroots level.

"We oppose the use of so-called localised amnesty programmes that are based on narrow political motives of the Arroyo regime and are mercenary in character. These merely open new avenues for corruption among civil and military officials," the joint statement said.

"Amnesty is not an isolated act but an integral component of the larger peace process and is the product of a negotiated settlement," the communique said.