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FMJ, Macron discuss WPS issues over the phone
By Nidz Godino
FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON
"But may I thank France for all support that you have given us in terms of our shared values, in terms of following international law, especially UNCLOS ,United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and it has been of great help messages of support and even when you sent French vessels to come and patrol…so I have to thank you, Mr. President, and France," President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke by phone and talked about West Philippine Sea row and the visit of group of French ministers to Philippines this year.
Palace statement quoted FMJ as telling Macron of Philippine efforts "to maintain peace, to maintain stability, keep shipping lanes and airways open" in West Philippine Sea. It was Macron who initiated call, according to the Palace.
It was in initial part of the two leaders' conversation that West Philippine Sea issue was discussed, according to Malacañang.
Their conversation came as tensions erupted anew after Chinese installed floating barrier in Panatag Shoal early this month to keep out Filipino fishermen.
Philippine Coast Guard, in "special operation," cut floating barrier early this week.
Known internationally as Scarborough Shoal, Panatag is within Philippines' 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. Under UNCLOS, states have sovereign rights to explore, exploit and conserve and manage natural resources within EEZ.
Malacañang has again made it clear Philippines would not be giving up an inch of its territory in its territorial row with China.
"You know that this is administration that will not lose an inch of Philippine territory or sovereignty… I cannot make statement about China…let us say it in general terms…we are out there to defend," Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said in interview.
In same interview, Bersamin said government is considering filing case against China over destruction of coral reefs in Philippine waters.
"This is the position government will take most likely…we have always conducted our relations, foreign policy on strictly diplomatic tact…we do not display aggressiveness or aggression or what…but whether or not we will file another case against China is one of options and I think our lawyers are seriously giving this a study, but it might be, most very probably, very probable, but we are not going to say definitely we will," Bersamin, former chief justice, said.
Pressed about possibility of China not respecting the legal process, Bersamin replied… "there is point in filing of cases…we litigate even if China does not participate because that means, you have resolve, you have determination to exact some accountability on the part of China and I will be one of those on the side of going against China."
On China's claim Manila had meant to "stir trouble" when PCG removed floating cable, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Philippines was only asserting its rights over its territory.
"We're not provoking anything, we're just asserting our rights under United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea which is being respected by the whole world, hopefully by everybody including China in the future," Remulla said.
He said government's legal cluster was to meet at Malacañang to discuss issues surrounding West Philippine Sea.
"I think we know that we have to file complaint… matter of choosing complaint to file and where to file it," DOJ chief said.
He is "more inclined" to file case before Permanent Court of Arbitration because it has "familiarity and institutional memory to handle cases about West Philippine Sea."
Department of Foreign Affairs earlier said removal of floating barrier was consistent with government's position on West Philippine Sea.
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra earlier said government is considering seeking restitution or compensation from China for its "increasing number" of sea transgressions.
During their meeting, Macron also informed FMJ about upcoming visit of French ministers to Manila but did not give details.
"President Marcos replied to Macron they could start working during visit of French ministers on what had been discussed during 10th Philippine-France Joint Economic Meeting last June," Palace statement read.
FMJ also invited Macron to visit Philippines… "we can work on what was just held last June, 10th Philippine-France Joint Economic Committee Meeting… many of businessmen from France were able to speak to our ministers and some of local businessmen as well, if your ministers will come to visit Philippines then that will be next step from that beginning," he told Macron.
FMJ noted Philippines and France have just celebrated 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. He also recalled his meeting with Macron on sidelines of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Bangkok last November. During meeting, FMJ sought partnership with France on nuclear energy to lower power costs in the Philippines.
During their phone meeting, Macron also invited FMJ to visit France. Also discussed were agriculture and defense matters. Last January, then French ambassador Michèle Boccoz said Marcos accepted Macron's invitation to visit France.
According to FMJ, Manila and Paris are "taking their discussions seriously to ensure favorable outcome for two countries." While everything is still under discussion, Philippines would make close diplomatic contact through French Ambassador Marie Fontanel", he stressed.
"This is all product of our meetings in Bangkok and I am very happy that … we have been working assiduously trying to make sure what we discussed we follow up and we come to good conclusion," FMJ said.
Meanwhile, European Union has joined Philippines in voicing concern over China's latest provocations in est Philippine Sea, during their first Sub-Committee on Maritime Cooperation under Philippines-European Union Partnership and Cooperation Agreement convened in Brussels on Sept. 27,2023.
During meeting, Philippines and EU renewed commitment to improve bilateral maritime cooperation.
"They expressed serious concern over unilateral actions endanger peace, security and stability and rules-based international order, including recent incidents in Philippines' exclusive economic zone, such activities also include those which damage seabed and marine environment, interfere with livelihoods of fishing communities and undermine Philippines' food security," joint news release said.
They also emphasized importance of non-militarization and self-restraint in all activities by claimants and other states, including those mentioned in 2002 Declaration on Conduct of Parties in South China Sea, that could further complicate situation and escalate tensions.
"They further emphasized their unwavering commitment to freedom of navigation and right of innocent passage and overflight in South China Sea, consistent with UNCLOS," according to the joint news release.
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