Secretary of Foreign Affairs Delia Albert, in a statement Saturday, did not say if the decision not to extend the Filipino troops' mandate past August 20 was part of the ongoing hostage negotiation process.
CNN article
Well, gee, I guess it could be coincidence.
The Philippines had considered extending the mandate for its 50 troops in Iraq, as it did last year.
So it won't be a huge loss number-wise. But it will be very symbolic and a loss in terms of maintaining a "willing" coalition. President Arroyo had already banned any more contract workers going into Iraq. The status of those who are already there is not mentioned.
In the meantime, it doesn't appear that the Bulgarian government is going to offer any hope to its two citizens whose heads are on the block.
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