‘Strategic ally’ RP unstable, dangerous — US advisory 06/16/2011 By Michaela P. del Callar

‘Strategic ally’ RP unstable, dangerous — US advisory

06/16/2011
By Michaela P. del Callar
After calling the Philippines its “strategic treaty ally,” the United States retained the country in its list of “dangerous or unstable” territories when it re-issued a damaging travel warning against Manila, citing heightened concerns on possible terrorist attacks.

Washington released the travel warning on the same day its envoy to the country, Harry Thomas, called the Philippines its “strategic treaty ally” in the midst of Manila’s brewing territorial dispute with China in the contested Spratlys in the South China Sea.

Travel warnings, according to the US State Department, are issued when “long-term, protracted conditions make a country dangerous or unstable,” which leads them to recommend that “Americans avoid or consider the risk of travel to that country.” It is also issued when the US government’s ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110616hed5.html