Remain in peace talks: Ramos

Remain in peace talks: Ramos

MANILA (DPA): Philippine President Fidel Ramos urged communist
rebels yesterday to stay committed to the peace talks despite the
slow progress during four years of negotiations aimed at ending
one of Asia's longest running leftist insurgencies.

"Let us allow this seed that has been planted to grow in our
hearts, nourished by our respect for the human rights of our
people and our faith in the Filipino," Ramos said. "United in
this effort, we shall be building a peace that will endure for
generations to come."

Ramos also called on communist guerrillas to come down from
their mountain hideouts and visit rural communities benefiting
from the administration's social development programs.

The government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) have
clashed over the signing of the first comprehensive agreement
reached between the two sides, with a ceremony scheduled for
today postponed indefinitely.