The World : Aquino Names Negotiators

Philippine President Corazon Aquino named two negotiators for peace talks with the Communist insurgents. The two are Jose Diokno, a prominent human rights lawyer known for his opposition to U.S. military bases in the Philippines, and Agriculture Minister Ramon Mitra, who, several of Aquino’s aides said, was chosen by the rebel leaders themselves. The rebels seek land reform and the removal of the U.S. bases. Aquino said, however, that her position against allowing any of the Communist leaders a position in her government remains unchanged. A U.S. official said that Washington has no objection to the two choices. Aquino declined to say when or where the peace talks will be held.