CPP open to peace talks if its conditions are met

The Communist Party of the Philippines on Wednesday said it is open to resuming peace talks with the government but would agree to a ceasefire only if issues such as removing the terror label on communist rebels and that of extrajudicial killings are first resolved. CPP spokesman Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal said that the National Democratic Front – which groups the CPP, its armed wing the 7,000-strong New People’s Army, and other underground organizations – also has a standing offer put forth since 2004. The CPP said their earlier proposal, which it calls the “10-Point Concise Agreement for a Just and Lasting Peace", includes a truce between the NPA and the government security forces. The group said the Arroyo government has not yet responded. Rosal said among the issues that must be resolved include the Arroyo government’s alleged failure to live by its obligations under previous agreements, including working for the removal of the CPP, New People's Army and NDF “chief political consultant" Jose Ma. Sison from the US' terror list. -GMANews.TV