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POWELL: Not Seeking Permanent Presence

U.S. providing additional $55-M aid

Saturday, August 3, 2002
By Genalyn D. Kabiling
The Manila Bulletin

"It is very fitting that Manila is the capstone of my visit to Southeast Asia, because the alliance between the United States and the Philippines has been a bulwark of freedom and stability in the Asian-Pacific region." Powell said the American government was impressed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines' successes against the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group despite losses and injuries. "We honor their bravery and their sacrifice. ... As a friend and ally, the Philippines continues its determined course towards security and prosperity and can count on American's enduring partnership and support."

MANILA, Philippines -- MB
United States Secretary of State Colin Powell yesterday expressed Washington’s commitment to provide continued military and economic assistance to the Philippines and assured that Washington is not seeking a permanent military presence in the Philippines, in a bid to silence critics of a proposed Mutual Logistics and Support Agreement (MLSA).

Powell shrugged off street protests against the influence of the United States in the Philippines following his meeting with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in Malacañang that centered on issues such as anti-terrorism cooperation, tuna exports to America, and US treatment of Filipino deportees.

Powell and his delegation motored to Malacañang from his hotel in Makati City. He was greeted with street demonstrations by several groups which insist the US wants to re-establish its bases in the Philippines.

Powell arrived in Manila Friday evening on the last leg of a tour of Southeast Asian nations. Despite the protests, he said he was pleased with the Philippines' and the region's support for the fight against international terrorism.

While he praised the Philippines for its active role in the global campaign against terror, Powell emphasized the Philippines will not be the turned into a second battlefront in the anti-terror war waged by the United States.

The visiting official insisted the United States is not interested in returning to the Philippines with bases as he called the MLSA a mere "administrative accounting arrangement."

* Visit Ends
* Pleased
* Protests
* Equipment
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2002 © The Manila Bulletin.

Dan