OPAPP welcomes Norway’s new special envoy for GRP-NDF peace process

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Sec. Jesus Dureza on Tuesday welcomed the appointment of Idun Tvedt as the Royal Norwegian Government’s special envoy on the peace process between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front.

“We welcome Amb Idun as we express gratitude to the Royal Norwegian Govt for keeping faith with us in our aspiration for a principled, just and sustainable peace in the land,” he said in a text message.

As to whether Tvedt’s appointment indicated the resumption of the peace talks, Dureza told GMA News Online: “We will wait for [the] president's guidance.”

Tvedt replaced Elisabeth Slåttum who spent three years as the GRP-NDF’s facilitator.

Dureza pointed out that Tvedt helped in the successful peace process in Colombia that resulted in a peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia or the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.

“She is ably taking over the role played by Amb Elisabeth whose competence and dedication steered us to reach unprecedented levels in our peace negotiations with the CPP/NPA/NDF,” he said.

Tvedt’s new assignment came amidst stalled peace talks between the GRP and the NDF.

President Rodrigo Duterte had called off the fifth round of talks after the New People’s Army fighters attacked soldiers and police officers, including a Presidential Security Group convoy,  in different parts of the country.

“She has a high standing in the Norwegian Foreign Service and her knowledge and experience in peace and reconciliation matters are truly impressive,” Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Erik Førner meanwhile said in a statement.

“The team here at the Embassy looks forward to working with her and the parties towards a peaceful solution in the conflict between the GRP and the NDFP,” Førner added.

Norway has been a third-party facilitator of the GRP-NDF peace process since 2001. — DVM, GMA News