Ramos not to attend ASEM in London

Ramos not to attend ASEM in London

MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Fidel Ramos said Wednesday
he has cancelled plans to attend next month's Asia-Europe meeting
(ASEM) in London.

"I found it necessary to beg off from heading the (Philippine)
delegation because of my duties here," Ramos said in his weekly
press conference.

Ramos said he was sending Senate President Neptali Gonzales to
represent him at the second ASEM meeting on April.

Criticisms against Ramos for his frequent trips abroad have
become sharper amid the Asian financial crisis and as the May 11
national elections approach.

Although Ramos is barred from running for re-election, he has
been hotly campaigning for House of Representatives Speaker Jose
de Venecia, who lags behind other candidates in surveys.