Arroyo meeting Bush at APEC summit

President Arroyo is looking forward to meeting US President George W. Bush when she and 20 other heads of state meet during the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit in Shanghai, China on Oct. 20-21.

Presidential Spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao said the Chief Executive is looking forward to the bilateral talks set between Manila and Washington.

Among the items that are expected to be on the agenda is the support Manila has offered to the US in its call for an international coalition against terrorism in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on Washington DC and New York.

She made an unscheduled visit to the US Embassy on Roxas Boulevard to sign the book of condolences for the victims of the terrorist attacks, which included 118 Filipinos or Filipino-Americans.

US chargé d’affaires Michael Malinowski received Mrs. Arroyo at the chancery’s ballroom where she shook hands with embassy officials and employees, including several Filipinos.

Tiglao said the President reiterated her full and unqualified support to the US-led international coalition against terrorism and call to action embodied in UN Security Council Resolution 1368.

He said Mrs. Arroyo reaffirmed Manila’s offer to make available all air and seaports, including former US military bases, to the planned military operation against terrorists and states supporting terrorism.

But, Tiglao said, Manila still does know what kind of support the US would ask for the war against terrorism.

"Not yet, perhaps soon," Tiglao told reporters when asked if Bush had already contacted Mrs. Arroyo about the war against terrorism. "Apparently, they’re still developing their military strategy." — Marichu Villanueva