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

DATE: FRIDAY, February 15, 1991                   TAG: 9102150692
SECTION: NATL/INTL                    PAGE: A-2   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: MANILA, PHILIPPINES                                LENGTH: Medium

TALKS EXTENDED ON PHILIPPINE BASES

U.S. and Philippine negotiators today extended talks on a new lease for U.S. military bases, backed by the Philippine defense chief but opposed by many lawmakers in a chamber that must ratify any agreement.

U.S. spokesman Stanley Schrager had said the two sides hoped to reach a tentative agreement on the six bases today. But the two panels later announced talks would continue through the night and that chief U.S. negotiator Richard Armitage postponed his departure set for today.

About 50 leftist students locked arms to block the entrance to a building that includes the Department of Foreign Affairs, where a media briefing had been scheduled this afternoon. The students shouted slogans against the bases.

The talks, which began last May, focus on the status of Clark Air Base, the Subic Bay naval base - two of the largest and oldest U.S. bases on foreign soil - along with four small installations. The current lease expires in September.

About 40,000 U.S. military personnel and dependents live in the Philippines.

U.S. officials consider the bases the linchpin of American defense of the Far East. Thousands of Filipinos have rallied to get the bases closed as an expression of national independence, while others depend on the installations for their livelihood.

Any agreement must be approved by two-thirds of the 23-member Senate. Sen. Wigberto Tanada, the leading bases opponent in the Senate, claims he has the votes to block any agreement.

Philippine government television has been broadcasting a statement by the negotiating panel saying its goal is the removal of all American combat forces.

That, however, would not preclude a phased withdrawal which would allow the Americans to use the bases for several years.

Philippine negotiators say they want to take over Clark and the four smaller facilities by September and allow a five-year phaseout at Subic. The United States wants a 10- to 12-year transition period.

Sources close to the talks said the Americans offered $510 million compensation to use the bases in 1992. The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Manila asked for $800 million annually if the bases remain seven more years.

by CNB