Press Release No. 048-03
10 February 2003
IRAQI ENVOYS CALLS ON SECRETARY OPLE; DISCUSSES SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Iraqi Charge d’Affaires Samir Bolus called on Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople to seek clarification on the reported closure of the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad.  The report of the closure of the Philippine Embassy appeared in today’s frontpages.  Secretary Ople and Mr. Bolus also discussed several other issues.

“I assured Mr. Bolus that our embassy remains open.  We also discussed the situation in Iraq and reiterated our common position for a peaceful solution to the Iraqi issue. We both expressed the hope that the situation will never arise where it will be necessary to suspend the operations of our embassy in Baghdad,” Secretary Ople said after their meeting.

“But I informed him that we are prepared for any eventuality, and the safety and consideration of the officers and staff of our embassy is a primary concern,” Secretary Ople added.

After the meeting, Secretary Ople was asked if he discussed with Mr. Bolus reports that also came out in media that Iraqi diplomatic officials were involved in actions that sought to embarrass the Philippine Government or to compromise its security and national interests.  

In response, Secretary Ople said: “Mr. Bolus assured me that the Iraqi embassy is not involved in any of the activities attributed to it and to its officials.  Mr. Bolus told me that he will not allow this to happen.  I told him that I will hold him and his officials responsible for any such acts which are incompatible with their functions as accredited diplomats and I informed him that I will act accordingly.”

On the issue of the security of the Iraqi Embassy, Secretary Ople said that Mr. Bolus was satisfied with the security being provided to his embassy.  

“He told me that, contrary to some media reports, the security provided by the Philippine Government was never pulled out.  I told him that we take our obligations under diplomatic law very seriously and will always provide him with the necessary security and protection,” Secretary Ople said. END.