Washington: Philippines withdrawal of its forces from Iraq is disappointing

The Philippines foreign ministry announced that its forces working in Iraq will start its withdrawal as from today, Friday, noting that the commander of the unit will leave Iraq today together with ten of the soldiers. Manila's decision comes in response of the demands of the kidnappers of the Philippine's citizen De la Croz.

The spokesman for the White House described Manila's decision as regrettable, considering that the " terrorists will understand that as a wrong message and that the decision will encourage terrorist acts." The spokesman said that there is no negotiations with what he called terrorists.

Analysts said that Manila's decision will intensify relations between Manila and Washington and will cost it losing the key American aid and the loss of the credibility of the government of the Philippines.