Arroyo to go ahead with Council meeting

Manila: President Gloria Arroyo will not scrap the Council of State meeting on January 24 even if former president Corazon Aquino and other opposition leaders have sent their regrets, senior officials said.

"Arroyo welcomes those who will come, and respects the decision of those who have chosen not to come," said Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, adding, "the Council of State meeting is not about personalities, but about the collective effort of national leaders committed to national transformation and renewal."

"Of course, the meeting will go on. Not anyone or any other group can dictate that an official function like the Council of State should not push through," Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said.

Criticising the opposition leaders, Ermita said, "they might regret in believing that their absence from the Council of State meeting is good for the country and for everyone."

Gabriel Claudio, a political adviser said that Arroyo wanted to discuss the importance of political and economic reforms.

Sources told Gulf News that the meeting was meant to pave the way for proposed power sharing.

"The nation is due for a protracted political turmoil," former president Aquino warned in a letter to Arroyo, adding that it would only confuse her allies if she attends the meeting.