19 May 2003
Fact Sheet: U.S. to Provide Anti-Terrorism Aid to Philippines
(Also will provide medical equipment to veterans center) (670) The White House released a fact sheet May 19 announcing developments related to Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's visit to the United States and her meeting with President Bush. According to the fact sheet, the United States will provide new funds for training and equipping Philippine forces to deal with terrorist groups in the Philippines, as well funds to spur development in the Mindanao region of that country. The fact sheet also lists an agreement to provide U.S. military support to "Armed Forces of the Philippines-led operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group," and a promise to designate America's long-time Pacific ally as having "Major Non-NATO Ally Status," which would enhance Manila's access to American equipment and supplies. With respect to veterans benefits, the United States will provide $500,000 in medical equipment to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City to improve medical care for Filipino veterans in the Philippines. The administration also has made a commitment to support legislation that would provide new benefits to Filipino veterans lawfully residing in the United States, the fact sheet says. President Bush also accepted an invitation from Macapagal-Arroyo to visit the Philippines in October of this year. Following is the text of the May 19 fact sheet: (begin fact sheet) For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 19, 2003 Fact Sheet: Announcements Related to the Visit of President Arroyo Counterterrorism Equipment and Training: $30 million in new grant aid for equipment and training of Armed Forces of the Philippines targeted at capabilities for countering terrorist groups within Philippines. Development Assistance to Conflict Areas: $30 million in new bilateral development assistance for Mindanao and support for the peace process with the MILF, as appropriate. Establishment of Combat Engineering Unit: $25 million in new grant assistance to train and equip a combat engineering unit and provide other military needs in the war on terror. The engineering unit will be able to do civic action and humanitarian projects in conflict zones. U.S. Military Support to Philippine Counterterrorism Operations: Agreement to provide U.S. military support to Armed Forces of the Philippines-led operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group. Support to Philippine Military Mobility: 20 UH-1H helicopters, as they become available and funding for refurbishment and transport is secured; an additional 10 UH-1H helicopters to be provided to ensure sufficient spare parts. Comprehensive Security Review: Launching of a comprehensive review of Philippine security needs and how the United States can best support Philippine military modernization and reform. U.S. Defense Goods and Services: Up to $10 million in Presidential Drawdown Authority for equipment, spare parts and maintenance. Major Non-NATO Ally Status: Commitment to designate the Philippines a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) to allow U.S. and Philippines to work together on military research and development and give Philippines greater access to American defense equipment and supplies. Reciprocal Presidential Visit: Acceptance by President Bush of President Arroyo's invitation to visit Manila in October 2003. Remittance Facilitation Initiative: Launching of an initiative to facilitate and reduce transaction fees on remittances from overseas Filipinos, which could save Filipino workers as much as an estimated $300 million annually. Generalized System of Preferences Benefits: Agreement for tariff-free, GSP benefits to 8 specific products requested by the Philippines. Veterans Benefits: -- Commitment to support legislation extending new benefits to veterans lawfully residing in the United States, including: full rate service connected disability compensation; eligibility for burial at national cemeteries and burial benefits for New Scouts; full rate dependence and indemnity compensation (DIC) to the survivors of New Scouts, Commonwealth Army veterans and guerrillas; and comprehensive health care eligibility to Commonwealth Army veterans and New Scouts. -- Commitment to support reauthorization for the regional Veterans Affairs office in Manila. -- $500,000 in medical equipment to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City to improve medical care for Filipino veterans in the Philippines. (end fact sheet) (Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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