‘New US secretary of state to help Phl on sea row with China’

MANILA, Philippines - Newly appointed US Secretary of State John Kerry is committed to helping the Philippines resolve its territorial spat with China through the rule of law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said yesterday.

Del Rosario said Kerry made the commitment over the phone Wednesday night.

“We spoke at length about our relations and the many opportunities we have to move them further forward,” Del Rosario said.

“We agreed that as strategic partners with a long shared history and profound common values, it is important for both our nations to deepen our relations on all levels,” he said.

“Secretary Kerry was a moving force behind a Senate resolution on the peaceful settlement of disputes in the West Philippine Sea,” he said. “I discussed with Secretary Kerry our initiative of bringing the West Philippine Sea issue to arbitration under UNCLOS. I emphasized the importance of this initiative to the future stability of our region in particular and to the future efficacy of international law in general.”

He said their discussion also touched on other issues, including strengthening relations between the US and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“We exchange views on the implementation of our agreed policy of increased rotational presence, enhanced exercises and capacity building,” he said.

“We agreed on the importance of working together in ASEAN to promote our mutual interests as well as regional cooperation,” the DFA chief said.

“We agreed that one area for this is the US initiative to train ASEAN seafarers and that the Philippines, given its recognized accomplishments in enhancing the skills of seafarers, can take the lead on this,” he added.

Del Rosario said Kerry also emphasized his personal closeness to the Philippines, being part of a team headed by then senator Richard Lugar which monitored the conduct of the 1986 snap elections. “Since then he has always had a keen interest in our country and our democracy,” Del Rosario said.

The new US Secretary of State also lauded the Aquino administration’s success on the economic and political fronts.

“Secretary Kerry expressed his highest regard for the leadership of President Aquino and his best wishes for our leadership and our people,” Del Rosario said.

EU concerned

In Cotabato, a group of European Parliament members expressed concern on Thursday over the situation in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) and emphasized the importance of keeping stability in the region.

Werner Langen, chair of the seven-man delegation of European parliamentarians, said developments in the region are a cause for concern, considering that half the world’s commercial shipping passes through the South China Sea.

“We have main points. One point is international trade along the South China Sea. It is important for all, for the US, Europe and others. Security in this region is very important,” Langen told The STAR.

Langen led the delegation in meeting with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Al Haj Murad and the MILF Central Committee on a campaign to remove mines and other explosives in Sitio Tuka, Barangay Ganta in Maguindanao.

The delegation arrived in Manila last Monday for a five-day visit.

Earlier yesterday, they met with Del Rosario during which they reiterated the importance of a rules-based approach to resolving the territorial issue with China.

“They agreed with Secretary Del Rosario that the legal track provides for a stable, non-violent and durable solution to the issue,” a DFA statement said.

Langen also lauded the Aquino administration’s steering the economy to growth as well as its campaign against corruption.

“No corruption will lead to better performance of the economy,” he said.

The group also met with other officials including Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and central bank governor Amando Tetangco.

The European lawmakers reported that they were “thrilled” to have visited Camp Darapanan on Wednesday after Monday’s historic visit of President Aquino to the MILF camp. The EU is the fourth biggest aid donor of the Philippines. – With Pia Lee-Brago