11 March 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia  Domingo Albert today said that the signing last  Tuesday of the Interim Constitution is an important,  historic and constructive step towards political  stability in Iraq and that the Philippines shares many  of the values reflected in the Interim Constitution.  All 25 members of the Iraqi Governing Council (IGC)  signed the charter.

 “This is a truly important, historic and constructive  step.  It brings the Iraqi people closer to governing  their own country and to the creation of a safe,  stable and secure Iraq, at peace with itself and with  its neighbors,” the Secretary said.

 The Secretary said that, like most countries, the  Philippines understands that many challenges still  remain, but that the Iraqi people can continue to  count on the political and humanitarian support of the  Philippines.

 “We continue to have an crucial stake in a stable and  peaceful Iraq as an important pillar in the stability  of the entire Middle East and to the safety of our  Filipinos in the entire region.  We will continue to  help the Iraqi people address their humanitarian  challenges and rebuild their administrative and police  sectors, particularly through training and education,”  Secretary Albert said.

 The Secretary, who is currently in Turkey on an  official visit, said that she hopes to get even better  insights on the future of Iraq when she meets with  Turkish officials.  Turkey is north of Iraq and, like  the Philippines, is a member of the Coalition of the  Willing. END.