12 February 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert today said that the Philippines continues to appreciate the expressions of commitment made by Malaysia and Norway to the efforts of the Philippines to achieve just, lasting and meaningful peace.

“Malaysia and Norway are actively involved in our peace efforts.  Their recent expressions of continuing and strong support for these efforts are very welcome, coming at a time when talks are about to be set on the MILF peace process and formal talks are currently being conducted with the NDF,” Secretary Albert said.

The Secretary said that with regard to the MILF talks, she was confident that the remaining issues will be resolved, after which formal talks could begin. She added that while the schedule for formal talks are still to be set, she was hopeful that these talks would be held shortly.

Responding to questions regarding the current talks in Oslo with the NDF, particularly on the reported demand of the NDF that the CPP/NPA and Mr. Jose Maria Sison be de-listed as international terrorists, Secretary Albert reiterated that “Mr. Sison and the CPP/NPA were put on that list by discerning and sovereign governments based on the actions of Mr. Sison and the CPP/NPA.  I sincerely believe that it will also be by their own categorical act that will bring about their removal from lists that label them as international terrorists; and this act is to cast their lot for true and meaningful peace, this act is the signing a final peace agreement.”

“As I have said before, I anticipate that when peace is achieved, when violence becomes a thing of the past, when our political and ideological differences are settled in the public arena and not in the battlefield, the countries of the world will welcome this achievement and it would be most difficult for them to maintain the position that Mr. Sison is an international terrorist and that the CPP/NPA is an international terrorist organization,” Secretary Albert said. END.