Gov't hopes to resume peace talks with leftist rebels

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government renewed today its call for the leftist rebel group to go back to the negotiation table where there will be clear agenda and timetable.

Alexander Padilla, Philippine government chief peace negotiator made the call to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People 's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as the country celebrates this year's National Peace Consciousness Month.

"Time and again, we have asked the CPP-NPA-NDF to join us in searching for fair and peaceful solutions to the issues that divide us. We have asked them to engage in talks that have a clear agenda and timetable, to talk not just for the sake of talking, but to reach specific agreements that will lessen if not eradicate the violence on the ground," he said in a statement.

He said that history has shown that it is through earnest dialogue, not armed violence, that both sides can create peace.

Government's doors have always been open to peaceful dialogue, Padilla said, stressing that the Aquino administration has not lost hope that both parties will return to the table.

The rebel group has been waging a guerrilla campaign in the countryside for more than four decades. The military estimates the NPA strength at more than 4,000 men scattered in more than 60 guerrilla fronts throughout the country.

Peace talks between the government and the leftist rebels bogged down in February last year. The Aquino administration is working on a new approach to end the leftist insurgency.