Philippines

The Philippines is struggling to patch up relations with the US after withdrawing its peacekeepers from Iraq to save the life of hostage Angelo de la Cruz. According to news reports, US Ambassador Frank Ricciardone rejected a joint statement due to be issued following a meeting with the Philippines’ foreign secretary, Delia Albert as ‘too friendly’. Washington can be expected to use tough diplomatic language — possibly even threatening limited sanctions — but its long-standing strategic alliance with Manila will not be affected by the Iraq debacle. The Philippines will remain one of the US’s closest Asian

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