RP to push for delay in hosting NAM meet
MANILA,
Oct. 25 (PNA) -- The Philippines will push for the deferment in its
hosting of the meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), one of the
largest and most influential international bodies pushing for world
peace.
Press
Secretary Cerge Remonde said in an interview with DZRH before enplaning
for Thailand that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo wanted to focus on
rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts after storms “Ondoy” and
“Pepeng” battered Northern and Central Luzon and the National Capital
Region.
“NAM
is very much aware of our priorities to rehabilitate and reconstruct
our country from the devastation of these storms, Remonde explained.
The
President directed Foreign Affairs Alberto Romulo to seek the consent
of the NAM leadership to postpone the Philippines’ hosting of the NAM
meeting.
“NAM
has also helped us a lot in our quest for peace in Southern
Philippines,” Remonde said, adding that “this would certainly not
affect our foreign policy.”
Meanwhile,
even as typhoon Ramil slowed down, Malacanang today said its
preparations for Ramil’s entry continue with the pre-positioning of
relief goods and rescue equipment “in case it makes landfall.”
Executive
Secretary Eduardo Ermita said in a radio interview the President has
instructed the Department of Public Works and Highways to speed up the
rehabilitation of infrastructures like dams, roads, and bridges damaged
by the two previous storms. (PNA)
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