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Philippines diplomat: Don't lecture us on human rights

The Philippines' top diplomat said Thursday it still regards the US as a trusted ally but will not accept lectures on human rights as a condition for receiving American help. Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay said, "We cannot ... forever be the little brown brothers of America," as he appealed for mutual respect between the allied nations.

  

His address came amid strains in the relationship because of recent remarks by the Southeast Asian nation's new president, Rodrigo Duterte, who has waged a bloody war on the drug trade that has been criticized by the US. More than 3,000 suspected drug users and dealers have been killed since he assumed the presidency in June.

 

Last week, President Barack Obama canceled a formal meeting with Duterte at a summit of Asia-Pacific leaders after he used the phrase "son of a bitch" in warning that he wouldn't accept lectures from Obama on human rights.

 


פרסום ראשון: 09.15.16, 20:57