OSLO, Norway–Listen to the speeches of the Royal Norwegian Government officials, Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) chief political consultant Jose Maria Sison, GRP negotiating panel chairperson Silvestre Bello III and NDFP negotiating panel chairperson Luis Jalandoni.

While the speeches were repeatedly interrupted by laughter and banter, they nevertheless outline the parties’ respective positions and aims in resuming formal peace talks.

Norwegian Special Peace Envoy to the Philippine Peace Process Elizabeth Slattum and Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende

GRP Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza

NDFP chief political consultant Jose Maria Sison

GRP Negotiating Panel chairperson Silvestre Bello III

NDFP Negotiating Panel chairperson Luis Jalandoni

Listen to opening speeches of the opening ceremony of the last formal GPH-NDFP peace talks in February 18, 2011 for comparison here.