RP’s agenda: United front vs terrorism

President Arroyo said yesterday she will underscore the urgency of addressing economic security in the light of global terrorist threats at the forthcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in China.

In a round-table interview with Chinese journalists at Malacañang, the Pre-sident said she wants to talk about the current threats posed by terrorists to global economic security.

Mrs. Arroyo was interviewed by reporters from the Xinhua news agency, the Shanghai Wenhui Daily and Guangming Daily as a prelude to her trip to China for the APEC meeting in Shanghai on Oct. 19 to 21. She is also going to Beijing for an official visit from Oct. 18 to 20.

Mrs. Arroyo noted that while the APEC summit is an economic forum, it should also tackle concerns about security.

"This is the reason why I have requested that I speak during the APEC Leaders’ Luncheon on terrorism because I think that is a very important dimension that defines the specific APEC meeting that we are going to go to in Shanghai," the President said.

She added that the APEC leaders will invariably talk about the need to support and actively participate in the US-led international coalition against terrorism.

"We always have to put the context of the summit with regard to the most significant events happening in that year," Mrs. Arroyo said.

She cited the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington as an "even more dramatic dimension" that should be discussed by world leaders.

"Because of the terrorist threat, the capacity building of the APEC economies must also involve how we can build up the capacity to fight terrorist threat," she stressed.

She revealed that she would be the main speaker on terrorism during the APEC meeting to be attended by 22 state leaders.

In the same interview, the Chief Executive also revealed that a Philippine proposal for an ASEAN coalition against terrorism was roundly approved by the body.

"I think the sentiment is that the senior (ASEAN)) officials will be endorsing this for adoption in the summit," Mrs. Arroyo said. – Marichu Villanueva