14 March 2001

DENIAL

By Jose Maria Sison

NDFP Chief Political Consultant

It is not true that I made any statement that I would return to the Philippines upon President Macapagal-Arroyo’s approval of the Joint Statement initialed by the GRP and NDFP negotiating panels in the Netherlands.

I consider as pure disinformation the report that I would soon be in the Philippines.

The lie is calculated to nullify the aforesaid Joint Statement which stipulates that the resumption of the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations shall be held in a neutral foreign venue on 27 April 2001.

The easiest way for the GRP to scuttle the peace negotiations is to insist on having Manila as the venue.

It is also untrue that I said that there would be nationwide solidarity conferences when I would supposedly be in the Philippines.

There is only one solidarity conference that is being planned by some church people and peace activists for the middle of April.

The organizers expect the chairmen of the GRP and NDFP negotiating panels to attend the conference which shall be keynoted by President Macapagal-Arroyo.