[APWSLMembers 544] RP, Australia finalize SOFA

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RP, Australia finalize SOFA
by Michael Lim Ubac

The Philippines and Australia quietly approved in principle the State of
Visiting Forces Agreement (SOFA) early this month, which provides for the
legal framework for the increased presence of Australian troops in the
country.
President Macapagal-Arroyo and Australian Prime Minister John Howard will
formalize the military accord during her state visit to Australia from May
30 to 31, shortly after brief visits to Japan and New Zealand.
Ambassador Tony Hely said the contents of the military document had been
agreed between both countries.
"We're now talking about having the texts signed.  They will not be signed
by the President, probably by the defense secretaries.  I think, the
President and our Prime Minister will witness the ceremony," said Hely at a
luncheon briefing with the Malacanang Press Corps yesterday.

Source; Philippine Daily Inquirer, 24 May 2007, p.5
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