Amb. Kenney lauds RP for doing a great job in combating terrorism
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US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney lauded the Philippine government today for
doing a great job in combating terrorism and promoting peace and development in Southern
Philippines.
Kenney made the remarks during an ambush interview Tuesday right after the traditional Vin
D` Honnuer held at Malacanang`s Rizal (Ceremonial) Hall.
"I think the Philippines is doing a great job in combating terrorism. I also think the
Philippines has done a wonderful job with so many partners in Jolo (Sulu province) in
promoting development," Ambassador Kenney told reporters.
She said that the US as one of the partners of the Philippine government in its efforts to
restore peace and spur development in Mindanao, particularly in Jolo, recognizes the
outstanding efforts of the national government in providing livelihood assistance to the
residents and improving infrastructure facilities like roads and schools in the region.
With the ongoing search and rescue operation for the three kidnapped workers of the
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Kenney also commended the Armed Forces
of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) handling of the case.
She assured the Filipino people that the US government is ready to provide assistance to
the military and the police until the kidnapped victims are rescued from their abductors.
"These are International Red Cross workers. They should be released safely. And those
involved should be brought to justice and held responsible for their illegal acts. Period,"
Kenney stressed.
Last Jan. 15, the Swiss representative of the ICRC and two other workers of the
organization were seized at gunpoint by alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)
near the Sulu capitol building in Patikul town.
In her speech, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo renewed her call on the International
Monitoring Team, members of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), European
nations and the United States of America to support the Philippine government in its efforts
to advance peace and progress in Mindanao.
The President informed the members of the diplomatic corps that the country`s economy will
be the central focus of her administration as well as the restarting the peace process in
Mindanao -- her personal commitment in 2009.
_______________________
Philippine Embassy
News Release
21 January 2009
Reference:
Consul Gines Gallaga
Press & Information Officer
Email: ggallaga@cox.net
Tel: 202-467-9400
Or
Rodolfo Gaspar Jr.
Email: rppress@verizon.net
Tel: 202-467-9432
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