Et Cetera

Hoping to flush insurgents from the bush, draw them to the negotiating table and end a two-decade-old rebellion, newly elected Philippine President Fidel Ramos has proposed legalizing the Communist Party to allow its members to participate openly in the political process. So far, rebel leaders have not rushed forth with white flags. They question Ramos' sincerity, recalling his cold-warrior reputation and tough line on negotiations when he was armed forces chief. They want more political reforms and more progress against poverty.