RP to remain committed to rebuild Iraq — Arroyo

President Arroyo affirmed yesterday the Philippines’ commitment to the "democratic reconstruction" of Iraq and fighting terrorism.

Speaking at the traditional "vin d’honneur" with the diplomatic community, Mrs. Arroyo said that the Philippines, as president of the UN Security Council, would preside over vital issues concerning the handover of sovereignty to Iraq.

"We are committed to democratic reconstruction in Iraq and we shall back up this commitment by shepherding a powerful consensus in the UN Security Council," she said.

"We stand beside the world for democracy and we shall work alongside all freedom-loving peoples to ensure that democracy does not fail," Mrs. Arroyo said.

Marking the 106th anniversary of Philippine independence from Spain yesterday, the President reiterated Manila’s commitment to play an active role in helping ensure world peace and stability.

"One hundred six years ago, the voice of Philippine democracy and freedom as heard throughout Asia and the rest of the world. Today we witness a Philippines maturing in its democratic traditions and fully engaged in the global neighborhood," she said.

The President did not say what the Philippine position would be regarding the handover of the US-led coalition’s control to an interim Iraqi government on June 30.

Mrs. Arroyo also stressed that "terrorism continues to be a threat... to the security and progress of nations," adding that "we resist terror by refusing to be overcome by evil and by overcoming evil with good."

The Philippines has been one of the staunchest allies in the US-led war on terror and also supported the US-led invasion of Iraq.

It has a 51-man humanitarian contingent composed of policemen and soldiers serving with US-led forces in Iraq but officials have said they may be pulled out after the handover on June 30.

Apart from the Filipino soldiers there are more than 3,000 civilian Filipino workers in Iraq, mostly employed in US military installations.

Mrs. Arroyo earlier ordered the pullout of Filipinos working in one US military base, Camp Anaconda, where two Filipinos were killed in a recent Iraqi resistance attack.

Over 200 Filipino workers have returned home since last month’s attack. — Marichu Villanueva, AFP