Clinton Visit Tomorrow and The Issues Surrounding It
Tomorrow, November 12, 2009 is a day that has been anticipated by both favorable and not favorable parties. United States Secretary Of State Hillary Clinton will arrive in the Philippines and stay for at least a day here. She is already the 3rd cabinet member of President Obama’s administration to visit the Philippines this year. The Philippines is actually the only country that Mrs. Clinton will actually visit before she proceeds to the APEC Summit in Singapore. Clinton has said in her speech in Washington that her visit to the Philippines is to show support to those who were affected by the numerous typhoons the Philippines has had lately. She was asked why she singled out in visiting the Philippines and she answered that it was because the Philippines is one of the US “longest friends”.
Ambassador Kenney further states that the US and the Philippines have very close ties because of the long history between the 2 countries and further says that there are many Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in the US already. Kenney also says that she is quite excited with Mrs. Clinton’s 24 hour visit to the Philippines. Kenney further states that President Obama is always wanting to re-establish ties and connections with US’ old friends and in this case, the Philippines. Kenney also says that contrary to what militant groups are saying that Clinton’s visit here is to further strengthen VFA accords, the US Secretary of State’s visit is really regarding flood-relief operations and how the Philippines is coping.
Malacanang has also stated that the VFA agreement is not part of the Clinton agenda when she visits tomorrow. There are also rumors going around that part of the Clinton agenda is that she and President Arroyo will be discussing the 2010 elections. Kenney answers this rumor saying that of course the US government is interested in the elections but they will not interfere in any way as they say that ultimately the Filipinos are the ones to decide on who will next lead their country.
Earlier in the day, militant demonstrations happened in front of the US Embassy from groups claiming that Mrs. Clinton is really here because of the VFA. Hopefully her visit will be a peaceful one tomorrow!
Photo Credits: Bet.com
