
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 17, 1990                   TAG: 9005170557
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A/11   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: MANILA, PHILIPPINES                                LENGTH: Short

AQUINO ASKS MEDICAL AID AS PAYMENT

President Corazon Aquino today suggested the United States could provide medical and other supplies to defer the $222 million that Manila claims Washington owes for use of its six military bases.

U.S. and Philippine negotiators discussed the claim today in the fourth day of talks on whether to extend the bases after their lease expires in September 1991.

"We are trying to hammer out differences," said Philippine spokesman Rafael Alunan. "I believe that they are inching toward some sort of agreement" on the debt issue.

The alleged debt emerged as a major stumbling block in the talks. American officials acknowledge only a $96 million shortfall and have responded angrily to the Philippine claim.

The chief U.S. delegate, Richard Armitage, was quoted Wednesday as saying he would not "stand next to a cash register" while trying to settle the question. President Bush said he would study alternative locations for the bases if the negotiations fail.

- Associated Press

by CNB