Arroyo: Miriam Santiago well-qualified for ICJ
abs-cbnnews.com | 06/27/2008 10:29 PM
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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo strongly endorsed Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago's bid for a seat in the International Court of Justice during a meeting with diplomats in New York Thursday (Friday in Manila).
Speaking at a reception for UN Permanent Representatives at the UN Headquarters, Mrs. Arroyo described the senator as someone who is "independent, tough-minded and well-qualified."
"She would serve as an example of effective gender mainstreaming, because with your support, if she’s elected, she’ll become the first woman from Asia in the International Court of Justice," she said.
Santiago, a member of the administration coalition, is traveling with Mrs. Arroyo as part of her entourage in the 10-day official visit to the US.
Arroyo said "Senator Santiago will do justice to the interests of justice across the globe."
She also spoke about the Philippines' contribution to the promotion of values that the UN stands for.
"The Philippines is truly a child of the values and aspirations of the United Nations. Every day, we work to lift up ourselves and the world, to serve humankind and bring social justice, gender equality and human dignity to our people and the world," Arroyo said.
Mindanao mentioned
Mrs. Arroyo also thanked the UN and its agencies for supporting the peace process in the Philippines as the government continues to negotiate with rebel groups.
"May I point out especially our initiative on interfaith dialogue. Central to our process for peace in Southern Philippines. where many of your countries have been offering assistance, is the need for religious and cultural understanding," she said, referring to the pending resolution of the peace talks in war-torn Mindanao island.
Despite the recent setbacks, she said peace efforts are still continuing.
"The success we are having in Mindanao, in Southern Philippines is inspiring," the President said, as she invited foreign dignitaries to come and witness what she called "the paradigm for peace" that the government has built.
