U.S. seeks clarity on Philippine president's “separation” commentsOctober 21, 2016 - 14:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. has said it will seek clarity on the Philippine president's announcement of a "separation from the U.S.", BBC News reports. Rodrigo Duterte made the comments in China on Thursday, October 20 at an economic forum, saying the separation applied to military and economic co-operation. U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said the remarks were "at odds" with the "close relationship" shared by the countries. This is not the first mention of a separation from the U.S. by Mr Duterte. But on Monday, the Philippine Secretary of Trade and Ministry Ramon Lopez told the BBC the Philippines would not be stopping trade and investments with the U.S.. "We are still maintaining relationship with the West, but we are reducing or doing away with too much dependence," said Mr Lopez, who is in Beijing as part of Mr Duterte's visit. Relations between China and the Philippines had deteriorated over a territorial dispute in the South China Sea, after an international tribunal sided with Manila and rejected Beijing's claims. On Thursday, the two countries said they would restart dialogue to resolve the dispute. Although Mr Duterte maintained fiery rhetoric towards Beijing during his presidential campaign, he switched to a more reconciliatory tone after taking power in June. Mr Duterte also recently said he would end joint military exercises with the U.S.. And he has admonished the U.S. for criticising him over his bloody war against drugs that has been linked with thousands of extrajudicial killings, and said U.S. President Barack Obama could "go to hell". Photo: AP Related links: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Your home is in Armenia – Ameriabank offers mortgage loans for the Diaspora To buy real estate, Diasporans can apply to Ameriabank online to buy, renovate or build a home anywhere in Armenia. Armenia-Qatar ties discussed in Doha The Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council met with the Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council of Qatar. ARARAT special evening dedicated to Aznavour's 100th Anniv. On May 20 ARARAT legendary Armenian brandy, celebrated the centennial of Maestro Charles Aznavour with a special event. Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. |