[Via... http://www.egroups.com/group/Communist-Internet ] . . ----- Original Message ----- From: Downwithcapitalism <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Monday, June 11, 2001 10:30 PM Subject: [downwithcapitalism] Oslo talks resume Associated Press. 11 June 2001. Philippine Marxists, Gov't Talk. OSLO, Norway -- The Philippine government and a Marxist rebel group resumed talks Monday aimed at ending 32 years of war. Chief government negotiator Silvestre Bello III said land reform will be a contentious issue in talks with the rebel National Democratic Front. The roughly 15 government and 30 rebel negotiators also were discussing implementation of a human rights agreement, including the compensation of those who suffered under the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. Millions of Filipinos are landless, while huge tracts are held by wealthy landowners. "Genuine land reform can be achieved only if there is a breaking up of the land monopoly," said Luis Jalandoni, the Netherlands-based leader of the rebel group. The guerrillas have been fighting for a Marxist state since 1969. The two sides, which had not met since 1999, resumed their negotiations in April -- some two months after President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo replaced Joseph Estrada, now jailed accused of stealing millions of dollars in state funds. At the time the two sides agreed to work toward a treaty within 18 months. The rebels have also called for the release of political prisoners as a goodwill gesture. Jalandoni said 65 of 113 political prisoners listed for release have been freed since Arroyo took office on Jan. 20. * * * * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
