Date of release : 28-01-2005

Policy area : General Affairs and External Relations

On 28 January 2005, the Minister Delegate for Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Nicolas Schmit, received a delegation from the Republic of the Philippines led by Teresita Quintos-Deles, adviser on the peace process to the President of the Philippine Republic, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

The discussions mainly revolved around the ongoing peace talks.

The presidential adviser outlined the progress made and the difficulties encountered by the Government in its negotiations and contacts with two guerrilla movements, the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) and the NPA (New People’s Army), the military wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. The European Union has adopted restrictive measures against the NPA and its former president as part of the fight against terrorism.

Against this background, Nicolas Schmit announced that "the European Union supports the efforts to consolidate the Philippine democratic system. The negotiations are the only means of achieving a fair and satisfactory outcome. Economic and social development is absolutely imperative."