08/19/2002
EDITORIAL NUMBER=0-10076

U.S., PHILIPPINES FIGHT TERROR

Terrorism is a threat to one of America’s closest friends and allies –- the Philippines. The Abu Sayyaf terrorist group continues to carry out bombings, assassinations and kidnappings in that country.

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell recently concluded a six-nation trip to Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. He said that in order to win the war against Abu Sayyaf, al Qaida and other terrorist groups, very close cooperation among all the nations of the region is essential. "I have found support throughout Southeast Asia for this campaign," he said, "because there is not a nation in Southeast Asia which has not at one time or another -- or today -- been under the threat of terrorism."

In fact, he ten nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, recently announced a commitment to strengthen their actions and cooperation to combat terrorism. Additionally, the United States is working closely with the Philippine government in the war against Abu Sayyaf. The U.S. assistance is also helping the Philippine government fight poverty in the country.

The United States is the Philippines’ number one trading partner. Three million Filipinos make the U.S. their home. That is why, as Secretary Powell said, "The United States is united with [the Philippines], but we see it as more than just counterterrorism, more than just military to military, but a broader relationship that also focuses on economic development, development assistance, trade, poverty elimination, educational activities, everything we can do to strengthen democracy throughout Southeast Asia."

The United States will help nations with the will to fight terrorism. The U.S. will press the fight until victory is achieved and the terrorists are defeated. As President George W. Bush said, the U.S. "will use all our resources to conquer this enemy. We will rally the world. We will be patient, we will be focused, and we will be steadfast in our determination."