Philippine peace talks begin

Oslo - Talks to end more than three decades of conflict between the government and communist rebels in the Philippines began …

Oslo - Talks to end more than three decades of conflict between the government and communist rebels in the Philippines began yesterday in Norway amid hopes that the "spirit of Oslo" that pushed forward the Middle East peace process could do the same for the Asian nation.

Meanwhile thousands of people gathered yesterday for a third night's vigil to demand the release of former President Joseph Estrada after judges gave police permission to move him if necessary.