Sunday, August 24, 2014

PHL to withdraw 446 peacekeepers in Liberia,, Golan Heights

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): PHL to withdraw 446 peacekeepers in Liberia,, Golan Heights

The Philippines is pulling out its 446 peacekeepers in Liberia and Golan Heights, citing threats to their health and safety, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday.

There are 115 Filipinos serving under the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Liberia and 331 in Golan Heights.

In a statement, DFA spokesman Charles Jose said the government was compelled to pull out its peacekeeping force in Liberia as soon as possible “because of the risk factor from Ebola which has the potential of being catastrophic.”

With regard to Golan Heights, Jose said “there has been a series of incidents involving our peacekeepers which have demonstrated that they are exposed to unexpected serious risks which may worsen on the basis of current developments.”

“In the case of Golan heights, the UN has been aware over time that the Philippines has been carefully assessing the evolving situation,” Jose said.

It has also been established that “there is a greater need for our soldiers to be in the Philippines,” he noted.

Filipino peacekeepers have been in Liberia for 10 years since 2004 and in Golan heights for five years since 2009.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=676214

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