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History will judge Philippines in supporting Iraq war: Arroyo
Manila, July 13: Philippine President Gloria Arroyo`s office sought today to deflect criticism of her support for the US-led Iraq war as a scandal over false claims about Baghdad`s nuclear programme grew in Washington.
Manila, July 13: Philippine President Gloria Arroyo's office sought today to deflect criticism of her
support for the US-led Iraq war as a scandal over false claims about Baghdad's nuclear programme grew in Washington.
Presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye said Philippine
officials were prepared to explain to the public its stand on the war, after one senator accused the government of
supporting a war that appeared to have no basis.
"What happened in Iraq has already happened and our president decided based on what she had thought was correct," Bunye told local radio. "History will judge this decision." US President George W Bush has come under pressure over revelations that his January 28 address to the nation contained false claims that the Saddam regime sought to buy nuclear material from Africa.
The allegations were used as part justification to launch the war.
Arroyo was a staunch backer of the war, echoing claims by US President George W Bush that it was necessary to rid Saddam Hussein of weapons of mass destruction. Her support was rewarded by Bush in May, when Washington promoted the Philippines into a major non-NATO ally and promised more military aid.
But the US war in Iraq remained largely unpopular here, with many legislators, the influential catholic church and civic groups questioning its legitimacy.
Bureau Report
"What happened in Iraq has already happened and our president decided based on what she had thought was correct," Bunye told local radio. "History will judge this decision." US President George W Bush has come under pressure over revelations that his January 28 address to the nation contained false claims that the Saddam regime sought to buy nuclear material from Africa.
The allegations were used as part justification to launch the war.
Arroyo was a staunch backer of the war, echoing claims by US President George W Bush that it was necessary to rid Saddam Hussein of weapons of mass destruction. Her support was rewarded by Bush in May, when Washington promoted the Philippines into a major non-NATO ally and promised more military aid.
But the US war in Iraq remained largely unpopular here, with many legislators, the influential catholic church and civic groups questioning its legitimacy.
Bureau Report