LAWYERS representing the Marcos family yesterday attended the first day of negotiations on the US$475 million remaining fortune of the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
This is despite claims by his widow, Imelda Marcos, that the meeting was a conspiracy against her family and her refusal to be bound by any outcome of the talks.
The lawyers' attendance has increased concerns that the Marcos family's opposition to the talks would scupper any prospect of an agreement between the other parties during the five days of talks.
Representatives, who were greeted at Ritz Carlton talks by dozens of Filipino protesters, said that all parties appeared to be wanting to make progress.
The negotiations are being headed by Chester Crocker, the former US assistant secretary of state for African affairs.
Mr Crocker yesterday said that all sides to the talks had agreed to a news blackout and refused to answer any questions.
Mr Crocker said: 'The first day's talks have been generally positive and there have been some constructive exchanges and dialogue at plenary table as well as bilateral meetings between different parties.' The talks are between the Philippines Government, the Marcos family, victims of Marcos' regime and Swiss Bank Corp and Credit Suisse, the banks holding the money in Switzerland.
