Peace panels start agenda-setting

NOORDWIJK, The Netherlands–GRP and NDFP peace negotiators have started their first panel-to-panel meeting to set the agenda for the fourth round of formal peace negotiators in this seaside town.

GRP chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III and members Hernani Braganza, Angela Trinidad, Rene Sarmiento and Tony Arellano were seated across the table from NDFP chief negotiator Fidel Agcaoili and members Coni Ledesma, Benito Tiamzon and Asterio Palima.

NDFP chief political consultant Jose Maria Sison and senior adviser Luis Jalandoni were also present.

Both panels earlier said the Noordwijk round of talks would focus on socio-economic reforms and the proposed bilateral ceasefire agreement. # (Video by Jola Diones-Mamangun)