Bases Access Pact: Read it when it's ready

From Malaya (Sep 18): Bases Access Pact: Read it when it's ready

A PHILIPPINE panel negotiating a framework agreement on increased rotational presence of American forces in the country yesterday said negotiations are halfway through.

Briefing reporters six days after the conclusion of the third round of negotiations held in Washington, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Carlos Sorreta an agreement “will be signed when the Philippines is sure that it has gotten what it wants.”

“It’s not pegged on any date,” he also said in response to questions on whether an agreement will be forged in time for President Obama’s visit to the Philippines on October 10-11.

“It’s not pegged to be signed on Christmas, as a Christmas gift or anything. It’s when we are sure that we have met the parameters given to us...It depends on how the agreement progresses. It may happen soon, it may happen later, but we will sign this when we’re ready to sign,” he said.

The next round of negotiations will be held in the country on October 1 and 2.

The Philippine panel initially said at least four rounds of negotiations are needed to come up with an agreement. Yesterday, it said four to six more are needed.

 “There is still a need to hold further discussions on these to thresh out some issues, and hopefully both panels will be able to come to an understanding when we hold the fourth round of talks in Manila next month,” said Sorreta.

Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino said some of the remaining issues to be threshed out are “heavier stuff.”’

Sorreta said the Philippine and US panels had “clear understandings on the language in key provisions” on protection of the environment, prohibition on nuclear weapons, among others.

Batino said there was a reiteration of several key concepts during the last round of negotiations, including the non-permanence of US forces that will be going to the Philippines.

Batino said both sides also agreed during the last negotiations to change the working title to “Framework Agreement between the Philippines and the United States on Enhanced Defense Cooperation and Rotational Presence.”

Sorreta said the Americans may construct facilities for specific activities but these will have to be removed upon the completion of the exercise or will have to be transferred to the ownership of the Philippine government.

http://malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/bases-access-pact-read-it-when-it%E2%80%99s-ready