Peace talks between Philippines government and rebels resume
Peace talks between the government of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and communist rebels aimed at ending one of Asia's longest-running rebellions formally resumed Monday, with hosts Norway cautioning against a quick result.
Some 150,000 people have died in the conflict that began almost half a century ago. "We are going to have five very demanding days here ... but I would like to congratulate the two parties on the resumption of the formal peace talks," said Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende.
The peace process, which has dragged on for decades, broke down in 2001 when the Maoist rebels backed out after the US government and then the European Union placed them on a list of terrorist organizations. It was resumed in 2011 under the leadership of Norway.
