Philippines mulls withdrawing diplomatic staff from Iraq (due to violence)

[Barrett808]

Philippines mulls withdrawing diplomatic staff from Iraq
Updated 09:50pm (Mla time) Oct 06, 2004
Agence France-Presse

THE PHILIPPINES may withdraw diplomatic staff from Iraq due to fears of spiralling violence ahead of next month's US presidential election and planned January polls in the war-torn country, an top official said Wednesday.

Foreign Affairs undersecretary Jose Brillantes said Manila was concerned hostilities in Iraq would peak in the next few weeks ahead of the two elections.

"The safety and security of our diplomatic personnel are being reviewed because on the occasion of the US elections and elections in Iraq is also forthcoming," Brillantes told reporters.

Manila's top diplomat in Iraq, charge d'affaires Eric Andaya was closely monitoring the situation in the country, where more than 4,000 Filipino civilians also work mostly in US military installations.

He said the Philippine mission has reported that "the security situation there is very very volatile."

(a bit more)

http://news.inq7.net/breaking/index.php?index=1&story_id=14054

[cliss]

1. And who would stay in Iraq right now?

They've got to be asking themselves, "what possible benefit can we get from staying in Iraq right now?"

The Phillipines almost lost 1 truck driver to the hostages last month. They made the difficult decision of choosing to save a man's life, and in the process infuriating the U.S.

The United States retaliated by withdrawing their foreign aid. So what are they still there for? The US has clearly shown that it cares nothing for human lives, Coalition or not.

So - get out.

[Mika]

2. "We're turnin' the corner."

:nuke: