Philippines to Pull Troops From Iraq

[NNN0LHI]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=516&ncid=716&e=1&u=/ap/20040710/ap_on_re_as/philippines_iraq

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines will withdraw its peacekeeping contingent from Iraq (news - web sites) on schedule next month, the government said Saturday, the day militants vowed to kill a Filipino hostage if the troops were not sent home.


As the government made its announcement, the Arab television station Al-Jazeera showed a video of the hostage appealing to Manila to give in to the insurgents and withdraw its 51-member force. In a tape Wednesday, the militants threatened to behead the hostage if the government did not comply within three days.


The government decision appeared to be deliberately ambiguous, representing the fine line Manila is walking to obtain hostage Angelo dela Cruz's release while remaining one of Washington's closest supporters of the global war on terrorism. snip


Before the kidnapping, the government had discussed extending the peacekeepers' mandate beyond its Aug. 20 expiration. But Saturday's statement did not address the issue.

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[displacedtexan]

1. My favorite part...

while remaining one of Washington's closest supporters of the global war on terrorism

51-member force?

That's a Cheneying fine coalition you've got goin' there, Shrub!

[0007]

2. The next thing 'ya know the "Fighting Fijian Army" will be pulling out

[dArKeR]

3. I see you've already posted my mind. Plus what is the PI GNP? How

much money have they donated to the Iraq Slaughter?

As 'people' in Asia have told me: The PI was the most advanced culture in the area back a few hundred? years ago. Now they are about last not only in the area but surely about last of countries who had a head start and SO MUCH AID AND RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNITED STATES.

A couple weeks ago I met a really intelligent lady in the park. She was a 'military brat'. Japan, Korea, PI, Brazil. As we discussed this issues. She came up with, 'unfortunately I think it's Christianity that has repressed and held down South America and the PI.