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MANILA, Philippines ? US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reiterated Friday that American troops in the country were playing only a ?supportive role? and were not engaged in actual combat operations.
But Clinton assured the Philippines that the US government would ?continue to provide support where appropriate? as part of its commitment to strengthen its ties with the Philippines.
?In respect to the conflict in Mindanao we have provided the training and assistance but not involvement in combat by United States forces. It is a facilitating and supportive role to fight those who would disrupt communities who would engage in terrorist activities . . .,? she said in a forum at the University of Sto. Tomas aired live on the ANC channel.
The US official added that ?we are going to continue to provide support where appropriate in partnership and in pursuance of the friendship that we feel for the people of the Philippines.?
American troops, mostly concentrated in Mindanao, are here for joint military exercises with the Armed Forces of the Philippines under the Visiting Forces Agreement.
Clinton bewailed the beheadings and kidnappings in the south, saying that these are ?contrary to every religion and faith.?
?I?m hoping that the conflict will be drawn to a close over the next month,? she said.
?I know everybody?s working very hard on that but there has to be a lot of dialogue between people. There has to be commitment to build a better future,? she added.
