Arroyo mulling Iraq withdrawal

Arroyo mulling Iraq withdrawal

PHILIPPINES: The Philippines, one of the staunchest allies of the United States, may withdraw its peacekeepers and aid workers from Iraq as security conditions worsen, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said on Wednesday.

The withdrawal of the small force would be a symbolic setback for the U.S. administration as it struggles to contain violent insurgencies on two fronts in Iraq, although Arroyo stressed she had yet to make any decision.

"While the government is determined to help the Iraqi people in rebuilding their nation, the safety of our peacekeeping forces in Iraq is still our utmost concern," she said in a statement.

"The decision on whether or not to withdraw our peacekeeping forces will depend on the security situation in Iraq in the days to come."

Some analysts said the move was aimed at defusing domestic pressure before a presidential election next month.

The reassessment comes after a spate of kidnappings of foreigners in Iraq, including one Filipino who was released, and amid growing calls on the government to pull out the small Filipino contingent of soldiers, police and medical workers. -- Reuters