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February 6, 2002, AFP, US commander says Philippines operations temporary, no plan to stay,

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February 6, 2002, AFP, US commander says Philippines operations temporary, no plan to stay,
12:34 pm

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines, Feb 6 (AFP) -

US troops mounting anti-terror action in the southern Philippines are on a limited mission to aid their hosts and do not plan a permanent stay, their commander said Wednesday.

"We intend to come here as good citizens and good neighbors," US Pacific Command special forces chief Brigadier General Donald Wurster told residents during a call on officials of this southern city, the scene of joint operations against the Abu Sayyaf Muslim guerrillas.

"When we leave, I want you to be happy," he said, urging the press to give the mission "a fair shake".

Several groups are challenging the basis for the deployment of 600 US troops for up to six months in guerrilla zones in the south, where officially they would train and advise Filipino troops.

The Supreme Court is set to hear later this month a petition to outlaw the operation, which President Gloria Arroyo's government considers a part of annual military exercises between the two allies.

The deployments are the largest by US troops overseas since the US-led campaign in Afghanistan.

Both the US and Philippine governments say the Abu Sayyaf has links with al-Qaeda network of Osama bin Laden. The Filipino gunmen now hold two US hostages in the nearby island of Basilan.

Wurster also allayed fears by leftist protesters that Washington could be plotting to restore its military bases in the Philippines, a former US colony.

"Let me state this categorically. The United States has no interest in establishing military bases in the Philippines," he said.

US forces left Clark Air Base and Subic Naval Base north of Manila in 1992 after the Filipino senate rejected a new military bases treaty.

Wurster arrived at the city hall amid heavy security, and was met by cheering employees, many of them wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the US flag and the words "I Love USA".

City mayor Maria Clara Lobregat ordered the playing of the US anthem during the visit.

Wurster said he was "tremendously encouraged by the pronouncement of your president in support of the world's fight against terrorism."

He said rescuing the hostages, who include the Kansas missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham, "is the responsibility of the Philippine government, but we will provide them any assistnace that will help them in the operations."

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