Next round of IRP talks to be held in Manila Oct. 1 to 2

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 18): Next round of IRP talks to be held in Manila Oct. 1 to 2
 
The next round of talks regarding the increased rotational presence (IRP) of American troops and equipment will be held in Manila on Oct. 1 to 2, Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Carlos Sorreta, Philippine panel spokesperson, said on Wednesday.

This is the third round of talks between the American and Filipino panels.

Sorreta said that in the second round of talks, which was held in Washington early this month, both parties expressed understanding that the US will not establish a permanent military presence in the country.

He added that both the US and the Philippines agree that acccess and use of facilities will be at the invitation of the Government of the Philippines.

"And thirdly, the agreement should be mutually beneficial in developing the parties’ individual and collective defense capacities, in furtherance of Article 2 of the Mutual Defense Treaty," Sorreta disclosed.

Discussions between the two parties were frank and very respectful, he pointed out.

"The Philippine panel presented its positions on key issues, we also were able to listen to the position of the US panel on a variety of issues, there were substantial discussions on the language of the proposed framework agreement, in fact there is an agreement to have the working title to be changed to Framework Agreement Between the Philippines and the United States on Enhanced Defense Cooperation and Rotational Presence," the Philippine panel spokesperson stressed.

He added that he expects more agreement on texts to be obtained on the next round of negotiations.

"During the (second round of) negotiations, we had clear understandings and language in key provisions including protection of the environment, the prohibition on nuclear weapons, the implementing agencies of the agreement, the types of areas and facilities that would be subject to the agreement, we had further discussions on other issues which will require us a little more negotiation," Sorreta emphasized.

Both sides earlier agreed that joint exercises and activities under a Framework Agreement will require the approval of the Philippines and will be mutually beneficial to the individual and collective defense capabilities of the two countries in furtherance of Article II of the Mutual Defense Treaty.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=567235