Press Release No.034-03
30 January 2003

NETHERLANDS DETERMINED TO ASSIST THE PHILIPPINES IN FINDING LASTING
SOLUTION TO PEACE AND ORDER SITUATION

Brussels, 29 January 2003 - The common commitment to fight terrorism and the determination of the Netherlands to do what it can to help the peace process in the Philippines highlighted the discussions between Foreign Affairs Blas F. Ople and Foreign Minister Jaap de Hoop Scheffer of the Netherlands, who met on the fringes of the 14th ASEAN-European Union Ministerial Meeting.

“I received the commitment of the Dutch government of their full cooperation in serving the ends of justice and the rule of law with regard to crimes that have been committed by Mr. Sison,” Secretary Ople said.

“The fundamental value of justice and the need to address the suffering of the victims of Mr. Sison’s terrorist acts, are something that both the
Philippines and the Netherlands deeply understand and fully appreciate,” Secretary Ople said.

“Minister Scheffer informed me that even the Dutch public is losing interest in Mr. Sison’s antics and would be supportive of actions that would lead to bringing Mr. Sison to the bar of justice. During our discussions, Minister Scheffer also felt assured that Philippine law will treat Mr. Sison fairly and his rights will be observed,” Secretary Ople added.

With regard to the terrorist listing of Mr. Sison and the NPA, Secretary Ople expressed the appreciation of the Philippines for the inclusion of Mr. Jose Ma. Sison and the NPA in the European Union’s list of terrorists and terrorist organizations, particularly since the Netherlands had made its own listing ahead of the European Union. “I told Minister Scheffer  that we hope that they could be retained in the lists in the face of the campaigns of Mr. Sison and his sympathizers for their removal from the list.   I informed him that the NPA continued to pursue its terroristic
activities with the recent assassination of former NPA leader Romulo Kintanar,” Secretary Ople said.

“I also told them that the retention was not only warranted but also effective in pressuring the NPA to return to the peace process. Minister
Scheffer expressed support for the Philippine government position and said that the Netherlands has no intention of removing Mr. Sison or the
NPA from their terrorist list or the EU terrorist list,” Secretary Ople added.

Secretary Ople was accompanied in his bilateral talks by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Eduardo R. Ermita and Presidential Adviser
for Special Concerns Norberto B. Gonzales. END.