Norwegian diplomat appointed new special envoy to GRP-NDFP peace process

NORWEGIAN DIPLOMAT Idun Tvedt has been appointed as the new special envoy to the peace process between the Philippine government (GRP) and the communist National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). Ms. Tvedt, who is visiting Manila this week, replaced Elisabeth Slåttum after three years in the post. According to a statement released by the Norwegian Embassy in Manila, Ms. Tvedt, a lawyer by education, has made a career in the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the areas of human rights and peace. In the past few years, she worked at the Norwegian Embassy in Bogota where she was a member of the facilitation team responsible for the peace process between the Colombian government and the FARC. “As I am sad to see Elisabeth Slåttum go, the appointment of Idun Tvedt is a great encouragement for us. She has a high standing in the Norwegian Foreign Service and her knowledge and experience in peace and reconciliation matters are truly impressive,” said Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Erik Førner in the statement. The armed conflict between the government and the communist movement’s armed wing started about 50 years ago. President Rodrigo R. Duterte, upon assumption into office last year, initiated a revival of peace talks, but ordered a suspension in May this year following calls by the communist leadership to step up attacks on the ground. Norway has been a facilitator of the peace process since 2001.