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.