Thailand/Philippines - Republican National Congressional Committee Survey

Question: Has either the Thai or Philippine Government expressed concern to the United States regarding a Republican National Congressional Committee poll citing Thailand and the Philippines as "countries that harbor and aid terrorists"? Is there a U.S. Government connection to this Committee?

Answer: Both the Thai and Philippine Governments have expressed their concerns to us about the language in a question formulated by the Republican National Congressional Committee in a survey it devised and sent to potential donors.

We would refer you to the Republican National Congressional Committee, a political (not government) organization, for information about its activities.

In fact, the U.S. Government regards both Thailand and the Philippines as strong partners in the global war against terrorism. We are working closely with both bilaterally and appreciate their cooperation with us and others in the region, including Thailand's success in capturing the terrorist leader Hambali and Philippine efforts against the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group.

We are also grateful for the deployment of Thai and Filipino troops to Iraq and Thai troops to Afghanistan.

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