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