During the first round of formal negotiations in Oslo, Norway last month, the government and the rebels agreed to make the ceasefire permanent through a bilateral declaration.

However, the parties have yet to discuss how this will be implemented and how to handle violations of the truce.

NDF peace consultant Benito Tiamzon says this will be discussed during the resumption of talks next month.

“A ceasefire committee will be created as well as mechanism for monitoring. It will still be deliberated upon to make it permanent,” Tiamzon said.

Said committee will be tasked to monitor the implementation and to resolve violations of the truce.

iamzon adds the general amnesty for political prisoners, as promised by the president, will also be discussed at the resumption of Oslo talks.

The rebels wanted the government to free all political prisoners listed by the NDF.

“He has a commitment to release all political prisoners and the government panel also committed to recommend the amnesty for and the release of political prisoners,” said Tiamzon.

Under the constitution, the president has the power to grant amnesty but only with the concurrence of the majority of Congress. — Roderic Mendoza | UNTV News & Rescue

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source: https://sg.news.yahoo.com/government-ndfp-discuss-ceasefire-mechanism-203915677.html