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July 18, 2009, WorldNews.com, Abu Sayyaf should be prosecuted – Kenney,

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July 18, 2009, WorldNews.com, Abu Sayyaf should be prosecuted – Kenney,

 

Article by WorldNews Correspondent Janice Sabnal US Ambassador Kristie Kenney strongly believes that the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf should be prosecuted instead of being given amnesty by the Philippine government.

 

"They should be prosecuted. They should face the full force of the law. They should not be amnestied," Kenney remarked.

 

This statement came after Philippine Senator Richard Gordon proposed that amnesty should be given to the Abu Sayyaf after Italian hostage Eugenio Vagni, of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), was freed.

 

Just recently, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Jr. and the leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) expressed strong opposition to the proposal of giving amnesty to the Abu Sayyaf, saying that the move is no different to giving gifts to bank robbers and other criminals.

 

Kenney also cited the decades of good alliance and friendship between the US and the Philippines, particularly with regard to thwarting threats of terrorism, saying terrorist groups such as the Abu Sayyaf should be prosecuted for their criminal activities.

 

On the series of bombings that hit different parts of Mindanao, Kenney said the US government has issued a travel advisory for all its citizens against travel in Mindanao.

 

The long standing US travel advisory since January 27, 2009 states that "Travelers should exercise extreme caution if traveling in the central and western portions of the island of Mindanao, as well as in the islands of the Sulu Archipelago. Regional terrorist groups have carried out bombings resulting in injuries and death. Since August 2008, there have been sporadic clashes between lawless groups and the Philippine Armed Forces in the Mindanao provinces of North CotabatoLanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte, as well as the Sulu Archipelago. Kidnap for ransom gangs are active and have targeted foreigners. U.S. Government employees must seek special permission for travel to Mindanao or the Sulu Archipelago. Travelers to these areas should remain vigilant and avoid congregating in public areas. Some foreigners who reside in or visit Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago hire their own security."

 

However, Kenney clarified that the US government cannot specify a particular city or a list city-by-city in its travel advisory against traveling in Mindanao except upon request by a local government unit (LGU).

 

"We try very hard to give caution to American citizens. Everyday an American citizen may want to visit Mindanao," Kenney said.

 

Meanwhile, Kenney said that US President Barack Obama invited Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the Oval office in Washington, DC. Kenney downplayed any speculations on what will be the center of discussions between the two presidents in their upcoming meeting. The US Ambassador said issues on the worsening effects of climate change and terrorism might be potential subject matter.

 

"I can never predict what the two presidents will discuss when they get together. It is impossible to predict," Kenney concluded.

 

The US Ambassador was in Davao City early this morning to grace the Congressional Internship Program for Young Muslim Leaders or CIPYML at the Marco Polo Hotel Davao, where she was the guest speaker.

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on Dec 18, 12