PRIME MINISTER
FOR MEDIA 26 FEBRUARY 1986
I have sent the following message to President Corazon
Aquino of the Philippines:
" Please accept the congratulations and best wishes' of the
Australian Government and-people on your great victory.
The will of the Filipino people has prevailed.
This would not have been possible without your courage and
determination, which have won you admiration in Australia
and around the world. I pay tribute to that. I pay
tribute to the magnificent resolve of the millions of
Filipinos who, through their commitment to democracy and to
fairness and justice in the conduct of your country's
affairs, managed to secure the victory that was properly
theirs. That this has been achieved with little evident
violence reflects great credit on the Filipino people. The
roles of church and other leaders have been both courageous
and exemplary. The many who put their lives at risk
deserve the highest praise.
As a near neighbour and regional partner, Australia has a
keen interest in the Philippines and a strong concern for
the welfare of the Filipino people. our feelings have been
with you during the recent difficult and indeed critical
weeks. We now look forward to developing a relationship
which is based on shared respect for political freedom,
human rights and democratic choice.
In recent years the Philippines has not been able to
participate to its fullest potential in the expanding
inter-relationships of this region. While the previous
regime was in office, I myself chose not to visit the
Philippines as Prime Minister. Your impending Presidency
allows us a new start in building a relationship which is
commensurate with the Philippines' important place in the
region, and I am looking forward to a meeting with you at
the earliest opportunity. If it is convenient to you, the
Australian Foreign Minister, Bill Hayden, plans to visit
Manila in the next few days to establish high level contact
between our Governments.
L.
The Australian Government recalled our Ambassador to the
Philippines over the weekend as a mark of protest against
signs that Mr Marcos would cling to that power which the
people had already denied him. We have now asked our
Ambassador to return to Manila to take over the Embassy,
which I am glad to note has already established friendly
and cooperative relations with you and your colleagues.
Your accession to the Presidency, with the clear support of
the majority of the people, marks a new beginning. We now
look forward to the smooth assumption of your authority
across the country.
Clearly the Philippines faces a huge task in the
restoration of democratic processes and the implementation
of economic reforms. You have the best wishes of the
Australian Government and people as you tackle these
challenging problems. I can assure you of the Australian
Government's full cooperation and support.
Bob Hawke"