Envoy sees hike in US military aid

US Ambassador Francis Ricciardone hinted yesterday of more US military assistance to the country in its fight against terrorism.

In a chance interview before a closed-door meeting with Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Ricciardone said that following what he described as the successful meeting between President Arroyo and President George Bush in November last year, both Manila and Washington have been closely working together to determine the needs of the country’s armed forces in fighting terrorism.

"We are really engaged in an important global campaign, we really are at war," said Ricciardone. "Your country has been at war against terrorism for a long time... and we’re working together... to figure out how we can help meet your needs and strengthen the national defense of the Philippines. Your defense is our defense."

The US ambassador also disclosed that the head of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will arrive in the country on Monday as part of a tour of Asia-Pacific countries.

Ricciardone said FBI chief Robert Mueller is expected to discuss law enforcement issues of "mutual interest" with local officials.

On the possibility of greater US military assistance, Ricciardone said "whenever we have materiel coming, important training programs... I have to imagine that that will only get stronger as we move ahead."

Reyes, for his part, said because of the "common threat of international terrorism," there will be greater cooperation between the two longtime allies.

"We expect that there will be stronger relationships, stronger cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the area of security, defense and anti-terrorism," Reyes said.

The US envoy’s remarks echoed President Bush’s statement that America is willing to help governments who are hard-pressed in fighting terrorism at home.

"America encourages and expects governments everywhere to help remove terrorist parasites that threaten their own countries and the peace of the world," Bush said on Monday. "If governments need training or resources to meet this commitment, America will help."