3 August 2004 – The contributions of the members of the Coalition for the rebuilding of Iraq were never limited to the sending of personnel to Iraq, according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert.  Members of the Coalition contribute what they can, within their means and subject to their capabilities, she added.

“Those who joined the Coalition contribute what they can and there was never any agreement or stipulation that these contributions will be limited to the sending of personnel directly to Iraq,” the Secretary said.

“There are members of the Coalition who did not contribute personnel to activities in Iraq, but have made other significant contributions, in kind or in political and moral support.  Some members have contributed personnel but have deployed them not to Iraq but to nearby areas and facilities where they provide support services for activities in Iraq or training for Iraqi nationals.  All
these countries remain as members of the Coalition even if they have no troops or personnel in Iraq,” the Secretary added.

The Secretary said that it is true that today, there are less countries with personnel in Iraq and that “in that sense, there are less members of the Coalition who are actually and physically in Iraq today.  But the Coalition’s objectives and activities are broader than that.”

“It is a Coalition that is now governed by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1546 (8 June 2004), a historic resolution that healed the divisions over Iraq.  The Philippines had a major role in this crucial breakthrough, and this reflects our continuing commitment to the people of Iraq.  This resolution laid the groundwork for the return of Iraq’s sovereignty to its people and for a democratic, stable and pluralistic Iraqi society,” the Secretary explained.
 
“A secure Iraq is indispensable for a stable Middle East, which in turn means a safer Middle East for the 1.5 million Filipinos there” she added. END