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.