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Monday, August 09, 2004
RP seeks to patch up ties with US (2: 50 pm)
MANILA---The Philippines on Monday offered to help the United States rebuild Iraq "within its capability" as it sought to patch up bilateral ties damaged by Manila's abrupt military withdrawal from the war-torn country.
Filipino Foreign Secretary Delia Albert held hour-long talks with US ambassador Francis Ricciardone, who had flown home for consultations with his superiors after Washington accused Manila of caving in to terrorists.
President Arroyo, citing national interest, recalled the 51-member military and police contingent in Iraq on July 19 to save the life of kidnapped truck driver Angelo de la Cruz, who was threatened with beheading by militants opposed to the US-led foreign military presence.
Albert said he and Ricciardone "discussed the state of relations between our two countries and reiterated our common determination to strengthen these relations."
Both countries "remain committed to the future of Iraq" and "the Philippines will continue to do its part within its capability and pursuant to its interests in helping the people of Iraq," she added.
Albert did not say what that offer might mean.
Albert said Manila "continues to condemn the acts of terrorism in Iraq," particularly "the attacks on innocent civilians" as well as "efforts to breed intolerance and hate."
Ricciardone said he "associates myself with the statement of the secretary in general terms," and thanked Arroyo for the contribution of 4,200 Filipino civilian workers in Iraq who are helping in the rebuilding efforts there.
"I wouldn't suggest to you that nothing had happened," Ricciardone said, acknowledging "serious disagreements" which had had an impact on bilateral ties as well as with Manila's relations with other members of the coalition.
The Arroyo government had publicly endorsed the US-led invasion and contributed troops and other personnel after the downfall of Saddam Hussein last year.
Nonetheless, Ricciardone said Washington and Manila, its former colony, had "very important security relations" and "very important common interests" and that it was in their common interest to rebuild bilateral ties.
Albert said defense and military cooperation would continue, including annual large-scale joint military exercises on Philippine territory as well as counter-terrorist training provided by US military advisers to Filipino forces. AFP
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