25 June 2004, United Nations, New York – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert today condemned the recent near-simultaneous attacks in six Iraqi cities that have left 100 dead and scores of others injured.  At the same time the Secretary said that the Philippines will continue to support efforts to establish a stable, peaceful and sovereign Iraq.  The Secretary made these statements from New York where, as President of the Security Council, she chaired a Council meeting on the role of civil society in post-conflict peace-building.

“The Philippines categorically condemns the attacks and killings in six Iraqi cities yesterday.  We offer the families of the victims our deepest sympathies and we reiterate our pledge to the people of Iraq of our continued support,” the Secretary said.

The Secretary, who is also in New York for consultations on other Security Council matters, said that both in the Security Council and on the ground in Iraq, the Philippines will continue to support efforts to help the Iraqi people.

The Philippines is currently a non-permanent member of the Security Council and has a humanitarian contingent in Iraq.  It was also under the Philippine presidency of the Security Council that the landmark resolution laying the groundwork for the return of Iraqi sovereignty was adopted (Res. 1546).

The Secretary said that no Filipinos were killed or injured in the recent attacks.  “I have instructed our Embassy in Baghdad to continue to verify if any Filipinos were killed or injured in these attacks.  Our Embassy in Baghdad will work with our humanitarian contingent, as our contingent has been given the additional mandate of helping ensure the safety and welfare of all Filipinos in Iraq,” Secretary Albert said. END.