Another apparent setback, this early, for the host country was the fallout from summit organizers “unusual” restrictions on the dialogue partners and the Asean delegates.
Still another Malacañang source also yesterday said foreign diplomats are furious over the organizers’ decision to bar the foreign guests from displaying their flags on leased BMW limousines that will be used for the high-level meeting.
The source added some diplomats had even threatened not to use the luxury vehicles and bring instead their own cars to the summit just to display their flags.
Summit organizers supposedly rejected the diplomats’ request to put their flag on the BMWs as this may damage the cars, which had been pre-sold.
They said the metal rod where the flag is to be attached will have to be welded to the vehicles and this will damage the cars’ fenders.
“This (welding) might cost at least an additional $1,000 or more to the buyer of the car,” the Malacañang source said.
It is standard practice in international meetings to fly the national flag in a vehicle transporting a head of state or head of government.
“Allowing them not to display their flag in a vehicle used by a leader is something unusual,” a Filipino diplomat also yesterday said.
I don't buy the organizer's reasons. I think the real reason kung bakit hindi pinayagang maglagay ng bandila sa kotse ay dahil natatakot ang Arroyo administration na tatargetin ito ng mga terorista. And it's easier to identify who the targets are kung may bandila ng US or Australia sa kotse.
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