Powell praises support for terror war

Colin Powell praised President Gloria Arroyo

US Secretary of State Colin Powell has praised the support of South-East Asian countries in the US-led war on terror.

"I'm very pleased with the level of co-operation we are receiving, and I think we are making progress," Mr Powell said in the Philippines's capital Manila on the last stop of his eight-leg Asian tour.

Protesters denounced what they called US aggression

"I have found support throughout South-East Asia for this campaign because there is not a nation in South-East Asia which has not at one time or another, or today, been under the threat of terrorism."

He praised Philippines President Gloria Arroyo for her country's ongoing battle with Muslim rebels, which Washington has included in its international campaign against terror.

Though the Philippines is one of America's closest regional allies, police scuffled with about 300 anti-US protesters outside the US embassy in Manila.

At least a dozen people were injured, including two policemen.

About 1,000 US troops have been deployed in the Philippines for the past six months to train its army to fight the Muslim Abu Sayyaf guerrillas.

US troops have been training Filipino troops

Their kidnappings, killings and taunts have plagued the Philippines administration.

The US mission ended two days before Mr Powell arrived.

Another series of training exercises is expected to start in October and will last for eight months.

The Philippines military claimed a victory in June when it said it had killed top Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Sabaya, although his body has never been found.

US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher told reporters: "We're coming to a valued ally and partner that works with us in the fight against terrorism."

Indonesia aid

The Philippines is the last stop on a tour that has taken Mr Powell to India, Pakistan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia.

Earlier, he announced that the United States would give Indonesia about $50m over several years to help the country fight terrorism.

Mr Powell also signalled his support for restoring military ties between the two countries, suspended since 1999 because of alleged human rights abuses in East Timor.

Mr Powell said that the US and Jakarta were beginning to normalise their military ties, although "we are not there yet".