EUROPEAN UNION COMMITS TO RETAIN NPA AND SISON ON THEIR TERRORIST LIST;

Press Release No. 035-03
30 January 2003

EUROPEAN UNION COMMITS TO RETAIN NPA AND SISON ON THEIR TERRORIST LIST;
OFFERS CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR PEACE PROCESS

Brussels, 29 January 2003 - At a closed-door dinner tonight at the end of the first day of the 14th ASEAN-European Union Ministerial Meeting, the members of the European Union gave their assurances that no amount of lobbying could make them change their mind about the terrorist
nature of the NPA and Mr. Jose Maria Sison.

During the dinner, Secretary Ople thanked the European Union for their listing and asked that the European Union resist all efforts to delist the NPA or Mr. Sison.

“The European Union has labeled Mr. Sison a terrorist because his acts make him one. The facts clearly speak for themselves in this case,” Secretary Ople said.

“I briefed the European Union n our peace process and they committed to support this process and to assist us in achieving peace. But perhaps more importantly, several members of the European Union have offered to actively support the post-conflict phase of our peace process in terms of ensuring that those who abandon armed struggle and join the mainstream of society will be provided with ample resources to once again be a productive member of society,” Secretary Ople added.

The European Union has actively and successfully participated in demobilization and reintegration programs in peace processes around the world.

“The vast experience of the countries of the European Union and their cooperation and assistance will greatly enhance the chances of success of our peace process,” Secretary Ople said.

“This commitment to assist in the peace process and to be an active participant in the post-conflict phase reflects the confidence of the European Union that peace can be achieved in the Philippines and that the greater number of members of the armed groups are willing to give peace a chance,” Secretary Ople said. END.