Inuyasha
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This has created a firestorm in the Phillipines and could spell disaster for President Arroyo and put a dent in our already deteriorating relationship whit our only real ally in SE Asia.
MANILA (Reuters) - A row has broken out in the Philippines over the transfer of a U.S. marine convicted of rape into U.S. custody, but President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said on Tuesday the move was aimed at preserving bilateral ties.
Critics say the transfer of Lance-Corporal Daniel Smith from a Manila jail to the custody of the U.S. embassy on December 29 amounted to contempt of court since no tribunal had granted the required permission.
Arroyo said it was a decision by the executive.
"The government had to take this action in order to forestall the further deterioration in our strategic relationship with the United States, which was being rapidly eroded by our non-compliance with the Visiting Forces Agreement," she said in a statement.
Although the two governments agreed Smith should be in U.S. custody pending an appeal, under the bilateral Visiting Forces Agreement, the local court had sent him to jail.
"The executive branch is prepared to face legal challenges to this decision and we are confident that its legitimacy and wisdom will be upheld," Arroyo said.
Con't here:
Arroyo justifies transfer of convicted Marine - Yahoo! News
MANILA (Reuters) - A row has broken out in the Philippines over the transfer of a U.S. marine convicted of rape into U.S. custody, but President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said on Tuesday the move was aimed at preserving bilateral ties.
Critics say the transfer of Lance-Corporal Daniel Smith from a Manila jail to the custody of the U.S. embassy on December 29 amounted to contempt of court since no tribunal had granted the required permission.
Arroyo said it was a decision by the executive.
"The government had to take this action in order to forestall the further deterioration in our strategic relationship with the United States, which was being rapidly eroded by our non-compliance with the Visiting Forces Agreement," she said in a statement.
Although the two governments agreed Smith should be in U.S. custody pending an appeal, under the bilateral Visiting Forces Agreement, the local court had sent him to jail.
"The executive branch is prepared to face legal challenges to this decision and we are confident that its legitimacy and wisdom will be upheld," Arroyo said.
Con't here:
Arroyo justifies transfer of convicted Marine - Yahoo! News