U.S. told not intervene

U.S. told not intervene

MANILA, Philippines (AP): Philippine President Joseph Estrada
said Saturday the United States should stay out of a territorial
dispute over islands claimed by six nations.

Estrada indicated that the Philippines may not be able to
invoke a Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States in case of
an attack against Filipinos on the Spratly islands in the South
China Sea.

"Six countries are making claims, so the Americans should not
intervene," Estrada said during his weekly radio program.

The Philippines agreement with the United States "applies only
in case of a direct invasion on our country," Estrada said.

China, Vietnam and Taiwan claim all of the islands while the
Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei claim only some of them.

The Spratlys, which straddle vital sea lanes, are believed to
be rich in minerals.