*EPF104 07/28/2003
Text: U.S. Pleased with Peaceful End to Philippine Crisis
(State Department July 28 press release) (280)

Following is the text of a July 28 State Department press release concerning the peaceful resolution of an armed standoff that took place over the weekend in Manila between the government of the Philippines and dissident Philippine soldiers:

(begin text)

(begin text)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
July 28, 2003

STATEMENT BY RICHARD BOUCHER, SPOKESMAN

Resolution of Crisis in the Philippines

The United States is pleased that the incident in Manila over the weekend, in which approximately 300 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines occupied an apartment building and precipitated an armed standoff with the Government of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, ended peacefully with no loss of life.

We understand that President Arroyo has announced investigations regarding the circumstances of the incident and the allegations of the dissident troops.

We support President Arroyo's handling of the crisis, which demonstrated that the Government of the Philippines is committed to the rule of law and the democratic process. No one should be under any doubt that we support the legitimate, civilian government of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

As President Bush stated during the State Visit of President Arroyo: "The relationship between the Philippines and the United States is stronger today than at any time in our recent history." President Arroyo's leadership during the crisis indicates once more that U.S. support for the Philippine Government is well placed.

We expect that the persons responsible for creating this crisis will be held accountable. At the same time, we applaud President Arroyo's willingness to examine the grievances raised by the dissident soldiers during this incident.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

Return to Public File Main Page

Return to Public Table of Contents