The GRP must prove that it seriously desires to talk with the NDFP

Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal
Spokesperson
Communist Party of the Philippines
August 08, 2002

If GRP peace negotiator Silvestre Bello and Speaker Jose de Venecia really want to pursue serious peace negotiations, they must wrest themselves free from the militarist framework that Angelo Reyes and US imperialism have been imposing on the talks.

It would do well for them to strive to implement the agreements that have already been signed, including CARHRIHL, and recognize the national and democratic demands of the people, who are represented by the NDF.

In the face of the Macapagal-Arroyo regime�s all-out war policy, we cannot deny entertaining some doubts about Bello and de Venecia�s seriousness.

We wonder how this regime could possibly be serious about negotiating with a revolutionary armed movement that it blindly considers �terrorist�. Are Vice President Teofisto Guingona�s fears justified that with the regime having branded the NPA as �terrorist�, there is no room for peace talks?

Has Macapagal-Arroyo officially endorsed Bello and de Venecia�s overtures towards the NDF? If so, how can this be reconciled with Macapagal-Arroyo�s official view that the NPA and the armed revolutionary movement are �terrorist�?

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