World News Philippines starts withdrawing troops from Iraq

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BAGHDAD (AP) - The Philippines moved July 14 to pull its troops out of Iraq to save the life of a Filipino hostage, despite opposition from the United States and Australia that it is sending the wrong signal.

According to sources, the hostage, Angelo de la Cruz, is in "safe hands." Militants had threatened to kill de la Cruz if the Philippines' tiny contingent was not removed by July 20.

In stark contrast, Bulgaria said earlier that it will keep its military contingent in Iraq despite the beheading by kidnappers of a Bulgarian civilian truck driver in Iraq.

Militants have also threatened to put another Bulgarian hostage to death, Qatar-based Al-Jazeera TV reported.

Meanwhile, a massive car bomb exploded July 14 at a checkpoint, killing 11 people and wounding 40, including a U.S. soldier, authorities said.

It was the biggest guerrilla attack in Baghdad since an interim Iraqi government took over from U.S.-led occupiers June 28.

The attack took place near the area formerly known as the "Green Zone," which was once the headquarters of the U.S. occupation authorities. Now named the International Zone, it houses the U.S. and British embassies, as well as the interim Iraqi government.

フィリピン軍、イラク撤退開始

フィリピン政府は14日、武装集団に人質にとられているフィリピン人の生命を救うため、米国やオーストラリアの反対にも関わらず、フィリピン軍をイラクから撤退し始めた。

Shukan ST: July 23, 2004

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