The ambassador of Norway last night reiterated his country’s support in the search for a solution to the armed conflict between the government and various rebel groups in Negros Occidental, and in other areas of the country as well.

Ambassador Hans Brattskar, at a peace forum in Bacolod City,  said he will get some inputs and views from various stakeholders in the peace process in Negros Occidental.

“We feel it is our obligation to support you who are doing so much, to bring peace to your country,” Brattskar said.

The Royal Norwegian Government acts as the third party facilitator of the peace process between the Philippine government  and the National Democratic Front.

Brattskar said Norway is strongly obligated to try to help others find peace in their countries. He stressed, however, that they are just a helping hand, and that “The responsibility will always be with to the parties engaged in conflict”.

The Communist Party of the Philippines yesterday said the prospects are dim for resumption of formal talks in the peace negotiation between the GRP and NDF, citing the unwillingness of the Arroyo government to do away with the many obstacles, among others the listing of CPP-NPA as a foreign terrorist organization.

The Mediators for Peace, a coalition of sustainable development organizations, human rights defenders and peace advocates in Negros, yesterday submitted proposals to Brattskar, asking that civilians in the armed conflict be allowed to present their cases to third party entities who are respected by the NDF and GRP as peace facilitators.

Delia Locsin of the Peace Advocates of Negros, said civilians, especially women and children, suffer immensely in times of war.

While the GRP and NDF are signatories of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect fort Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law to prevent and address human rights violations, Locsin said  both recently signified their intention to intensify the armed struggle.

The human rights victims of non-state actors feel helpless and defenseless, with the state unable to provide them with human security from political armed groups, she said.

The Mediators for Peace also proposed that the third party facilitator of the GRP-NDF talks consult independent and non-selective human rights formation concerned with monitoring and documentation of CARHRIHL implementation and violations.

They also called for indemnification of damages to lives and properties as a result of the armed conflict, a stop to the implementation of “permit to campaign fees” on political candidates and revolution taxes, especially on civilians, social development programs and non-government organizations, and all forms of violence and attacks on civilians.

“In war, there are no victors, only victims,” Locsin said.

The peace forum held at the L’Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City last night, was also attended by Bishop Vicente Navarra, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia, members of the Office of Presidential Adviser on Peace Process, military and police officials, non-government organizations, nuns and lay leaders, among others.*GPB

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