Statement of the Honorable Delia Domingo Albert on the Philippine Government’s Objections
over the Statements made by  certain Australian  Government officials,
28 July 2004
 
Today, I conveyed to the Government of Australia the strong objections of  the Philippine Government over the criticisms aired by some Australian  government officials over the decision of the Philippines to bring home the  remaining members of the Philippine Humanitarian Contingent to Iraq a few  days ahead of schedule.>
 
I called Australian Ambassador Ruth Pearce to the Department to convey our  sentiments and disappointment over these statements.
 
I conveyed the fact that we strongly object to the broad characterizations  made by these officials in these statements, particularly those that  question the resolve of the Philippines to fight terrorism.

I told Ambassador Pearce that there is absolutely no basis to put in doubt the resolve of the Philippines to fight terror, for the Philippines has stared terrorism in the face and its brave men and women in uniform fight terrorism with valor, courage and self-sacrifice.
 
I also conveyed in very strong terms that we find very objectionable the  liability attributed to the Philippines for subsequent acts of hostage-taking in Iraq.  There can be no relation between the actions taken by the  Philippine Government and the other incidents of hostage-taking in Iraq.  There has been a clear increase in hostage taking even prior to that involving a Philippine national.

I also conveyed our deep regret over the tendency of some Australian  officials to continue to define their policies by assailing the policies of other countries.
 
We have to get on with the task at hand, which is to fight terrorism.  In the interest of maintaining good relations and avoiding any further misunderstandings, the Philippines hopes that any further concerns by Australian officials on this issue can be addressed through diplomatic channels.