Spain's Aznar condemns Philippines mutiny

MADRID (AFP) Jul 27, 2003
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar on Sunday condemned a mutiny by rebel troops in the Philippines, spelling out Spain's support for the country's "legitimate" government and its president, Gloria Arroyo.

In a telegram to Arroyo published by Spanish news agency EFE, Aznar said he "emphatically condemned" the attempts by the rebels to "put an end to constitutional order in the Philippines".

"Be assured that Spain supports with full determination democracy and the legitimate goverment of the Philippines," he added.

Arroyo on Sunday delayed a threatened assault on the group of around 150 heavily armed army mutineers holed up in a Manila shopping complex, as a deadline for their surrender expired with negotiations ongoing.

The rebels had initially demanded the resignation of Arroyo and her government.

WAR.WIRE