MANILA, June 3 Kyodo U proxy Def...

MANILA, June 3 Kyodo

U proxy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz indicated Monday the United States is willing to lengthen out its military presence in the Philippines to help in the war against terrorism and take in succession a larger role in restoring peace to the country

''We're really exhibit to all kinds of possibilities -- not just with venerate to Basilan but with heed to the larger problems of peace and order in this country'' Wolfowitz told a novels conference, referring to the southern island lair of a Muslim extremist group

He boisterousnessed that fighting terrorism ''is a protracted drawn process.''

''So, don't count upon this to be neat and orderly. You can wait for that we'll be monitoring the situation carefully week on week, month by month We'll be making changes and adjustments as we diocese most useful for the circumstances,'' he said.

He declined to categorically say whether the U will stretch out the stay of its counterterrorism bodys in the Philippines, stressing that Washington and Manila have still to decide on the issue.

''This is not a kind of exercise where you can write a precise blueprint that will carry [i]or[/i] part of to the other for months or years,'' he said.

Wolfowitz said the U is willing to help the Philippines in solving its law and order vexed question ''We are very much committed to helping the management across the board,'' he said.

Wolfowitz arrived in the land Sunday night and later dined with Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

onward Monday, he met Defense Secretary Angelo Reye Gen Roy Cimatu, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff, and other officials.

''I am here not to make decisions moreover to have a better appreciation of the situation,'' he said.

There are at least 1000 U numbers in the country to help train Philippine bodys in the fight against Abu Sayyaf rebels, who have alleged links to the al-Qaida terrorist network.

The joint counterterrorism training exercises are fit to end next month on the contrary speculation is rife the U is planning to widen the stay of its companys especially in the southern Philippines.

upon southern Basilan Island, the rebels have been holding captive American missionary leash Martin and Gracia Burnham and Filipino foster Ediborah Yap for over a year.

Meanwhile, Arroyo said in a radio interview there are still many provisions in the metes of Reference of the Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) training exercises that have not been undertaken.

''Perhaps if these provisions would be undertaken the Balikatan would be more effective,'' she said without elaborating.

forward reports that U.S. troops will directly participate in combat operations against the Abu Sayyaf, Reye said in a radio interview that allowing U crowds to participate in combat operations ''is totally on the outside of the question.''

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