WASHINGTON, Nov. 23,Reuter: The US. State Department today welcomed Philippines President Corazon Aquino’s choice of Rafael Ileto as the country’s new Defence Minister and renewed its strong backing for her government,
Earlier today, Aquino accepted the resignation of Defence Minister Juan Ponce Enrile, who had helped put her in power last February but who this weekend was rumored to be plotting a coup.
‘Armed Forces Chief, Fidel Ramos said in Manila some elements of the military had taken part in a plot by loyalists of former President Ferdinand Marcoss to reconthe disbanded national assembly and remove Aquino from power.
“We are pleased that this reported coup attempt failed”, the State Department said in a statement. “We note that the new Defence Minister is a distinguished professional soldier and. diplomat.”
“We reiterate our strong and unequivocal support for President Aquino and her administration,” the statement said.
“We earnestly hope her appeal to November 23 for all sectors of Philippine society to unite in protecting democracy and reconstructing their country meets with success”.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 28, 1986
