Arroyo says UN trip leaves her energized to face problems at home

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said Monday evening her successful trip to the United States for attending the 60th UN General Assembly in New York has made her "very energized" and uplifted to face the problems at home.

In a one-on-one "Impact" interview with Philippine Star Publisher Max V. Soliven telecast from Malacanang presidential palace's Music Room, Arroyo discussed the highlights of her participation in the UN General Assembly and her chairing the UN Security Council's Summit, where she achieved the distinction of becoming the first Asian and first woman head of state to do so.

"My trip was very energizing and a great honor for the Philippines to chair the third summit of the UNSC (Security Council). It was uplifting to feel the respect of the world for our country," she said.

"I would like to be able to use this respect the world has shown us and transform it into the things we have to do for our own country because in the end, the well-being of our people, the future of our country, the fight against poverty and the peace and security of our people are the most important goals in governance, " she added.

On her push for debt equity for Millennium Development Goal's ( MDG) anti-poverty financing programs, Arroyo said that debt relief for heavily indebted poor countries is "an idea whose time has come."

"We really have to start it now so that we can continue the advocacy and have the different experts work on the details," she said.

On the current oil crisis, Arroyo said that her push for the use of alternative and renewable sources of energy, such as biodiesel, ethanol-added gasoline and thermal and wind energy continues.

She said her government will work with oil-producing countries on the possibility of "recycling petrodollars into equity investments and long-term low interest loans to oil-importing countries like the Philippines."

Source: Xinhua