The Negotiating Panel of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) engaged in formal peace talks from 30 March to 2 April 2004 in Oslo, Norway upon the hosting and facilitation of the Royal Norwegian Government...  The discussions were frank and fruitful. The two Panels agreed on the following:

The Negotiating Panel of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) resumed formal talks from 10 to 14 February 2004, in Oslo, Norway upon the hosting and facilitation of the Royal Norwegian Government. The parties recognize the importance of resuming formal talks towards resolving the armed conflict. The goal of the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations is the attainment of a just and lasting peace by addressing the root causes of the armed conflict, pursuing social, economic, political and constitutional reforms, improving the living conditions of the Filipino people and expanding their freedom.

The Negotiating Panels have agreed that, subject at any time to the acceptance of the Norwegian Government, the following will guide the role of the Third Party Facilitator:

1. To facilitate the holding of the talks of the two negotiating Panels


2. To attend formal talks as Third Party Facilitator and to provide advice, opinions & suggestions to the two negotiating parties subject to the inherent prerogative of the negotiating parties to maintain mutual control of the process.


3. To receive updates on the progress of the talks from the two parties as may be deemed necessary.


4. (To extend assistance to facilitate the work of the RWCs and subcommittees)


5. (To provide support, as may be requested, for the work of the Joint Monitoring Committee, when duly constituted, and the general implementation of the CARHRIHL). Note: the Norwegian facilitators' approval of Numbers 4 & 5 of the above was deferred pending clarification on expected and detailed specifics on the roles to be played by them. Meanwhile, the agreement of the parties on Numbers 4 & 5 stands.


6. To perform other functions as Third Party Facilitator that the two parties may agree upon based on their continuing assessment of the progress and emerging needs of the talks.