AL-GHOZI CASE : INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS
CONTINUE TO OFFER COOPERATION;
ALLEGED DEAL WITH INDONESIA BASELESS
– OPLE
Foreign Affairs secretary Blas F. Ople today acknowledged the concerns expressed by other countries in relation to the escape of Fathur Rohman Al-Ghozi from Philippine custody but said that more importantly, the international community was more than willing to cooperate in helping ensure the arrest of Al-Ghozi.
“I am in direct contact with my counterparts in the international community. While they are concerned over what happened, they continue to remain steadfast in their desire to remain our partners in the broader fight against terrorism,” the Secretary said.
The Secretary emphasized that “This sad episode has not diminished our international partners’ desire to be our allies in fighting the many aspects of terrorism, nor has it reduced their appreciation and understanding of our determination and dedication to fight terror,” Secretary Ople said.
“There is no question as to the sincerity and resolve of the Philippine Government in the fight against terrorism. This has been confirmed by discussions with other governments,” the Secretary added.
He also said that he has received the assurances of cooperation from other countries relating to the Al-Ghozi case. The Secretary said that appropriate agencies in the Philippine government are now coordinating their actions with their international counterparts.
In reply to reporters’ questions, the Secretary added that allegations that Al-Ghozi was deliberately set free and given to Indonesia are baseless. “Indonesia has never asked for Al-Ghozi,” the Secretary said.
“In fact, when I made my call on President Megawati Sukarnoputri as Secretary of Foreign Affairs, she welcomed our swift action in bringing terrorists to face justice and, with reference to Indonesians in the Philippines accused of terrorist crimes, she said that Indonesia will respect the Philippine judicial process,” the Secretary added (please see DFA Press Release No. 152-02, 22 August 2002).
The Secretary said that he would increase
his dialogue with politicians in order to avoid baseless speculations.
END.