Press Release No. 047-03
10 February 2003
PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN BAGHDAD TO REMAIN OPEN; 
WILL TEMPORARILY SUSPEND OPERATIONS DEPENDING ON CIRCUMSTANCES

The Philippine Embassy in Baghdad will remain open until the situation on the ground calls for a suspension of its operations, Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople said today, to clarify reports that the Embassy had closed and that its head and staff have been evacuated to Amman, Jordan.  Other reports state that the date of 11 February 2003 had been set to close the embassy.  

“Based on our recommendations, what the President has approved, and it is important to point out that this was done in the context of our entire operational plans for the Iraqi situation, was to give to Ms. Grace Escalante, our Charge d’Affaires in Baghdad, the discretion to suspend the operations of the embassy.  We are in constant touch with Ms. Escalante and while she and her staff are prepared for any contingency, she has not closed or evacuated the embassy,” Secretary Ople said in response to requests for clarification.

Information on the closure or suspension of operations of an embassy is usually conveyed through diplomatic channels.

“Even under the most demanding situations, certain diplomatic rules are observed, precisely because such observance ensures the application of civilized rules to difficult situations.  It is regrettable that in this instance these rules were not observed and an announcement, even though erroneous, was improperly made through the media,” Secretary Ople said upon being shown frontpage articles announcing the closure of the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad.

“Such an announcement serves no vital purpose, particularly since its is inaccurate.  It is regrettable that this had to happen, though I am sure that it was and should be avoidable,” Secretary Ople added.

“Grace Escalante is doing a great job in Iraq and it doesn’t help to make things more difficult for her.  She will keep our embassy open, carry out her duties and I know that she will do so with the professionalism and dedication that characterizes our career foreign service, “Secretary Ople said.  “I have directed Ms. Escalante to stay at her post and continue to monitor all urgent developments as an independent source for the Philippine Government,” Secretary Ople added.

The Philippine Embassy will be closed from Tuesday to Friday this week, as these days are official Iraqi holidays in observance of Eid-al-Adha.  Ms. Grace Escalante and some of her staff will be in Amman, Jordan shortly for regional consultations, to build on the discussions and agreements that were made when the President met with the Philippine Ambassadors in the Middle East in Kuwait last week. END.