Coup, human rights dominate Clark's talks in Philippines

BOHOL - Alleged human rights abuses in the Philippines following a foiled coup plot have dominated bilateral talks between Prime Minister Helen Clark and Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Helen Clark is in the Philippines on the first dedicated bilateral visit by a New Zealand prime minister in 20 years.

Trade and development issues were expected to hold centre stage in talks, but after the meeting Helen Clark said questions on the plot and the Philippine government's subsequent actions took up 25 minutes of the one hour meeting.

Mrs Arroyo's government declared a state of emergency on February 24 after a claimed coup attempt, but some commentators have questioned whether the planned "withdrawal of support" by mid-ranking officers of one elite military unit amounted to an attempted coup, or whether the president is merely using the incident to launch a crackdown on her political opponents.

Helen Clark has been sent a letter by five leftist lawmakers who are attempting to avoid arrest on sedition charges by staying in the local parliament. The MPs, who have been holed up now for several days, deny any link to the plot.

The Prime Minister said Mrs Arroyo had assured her that proper constitutional process would be followed in laying charges against the MPs and their cases would be heard in a court of law.

Helen Clark is understood to have come under pressure at home on the issue with several traditional Labour backers, such as union groups, approaching her office. Auckland University law professor Jane Kelsey and Green MP Keith Locke have also written to her, and representatives of the Catholic Church in New Zealand have joined the calls for her to raise the issue.

But she said at present she was withholding judgment on the issue.

"We're not in a position to judge what the substance is, but clearly her point of view is that a range of elements across the political spectrum were involved in some kind of rebellion," Helen Clark said.

Trade still featured as a major part of the meeting, with Helen Clark floating the idea of a free-trade agreement (FTA) with the Philippines, which is now New Zealand's largest southeast Asian export market.

Helen Clark said New Zealand's development assistance to the Philippines -- worth $4 million a year -- was also discussed.

The focus was now on promoting sustainable development, such as a dolphin and whale watching venture she would visit today.

Counter-terrorism measures were also on the agenda with the Prime Minister pushing for a closer relationship between the two countries' police forces, especially in the area of information sharing. The meeting followed the opening of the Asia-Pacific Interfaith Dialogue forum in Cebu earlier in the day.

Helen Clark's visit has enjoyed a high profile in the Philippines, with front page news coverage and a high turnout of locals hoping to catch a glimpse of her.

- NZPA