MFA Spokesman's Comments in response to media queries on Australian press reports of US Embassy cables leaked by WikiLeaks which attributed remarks to various Singapore leaders and officials

"These press reports are based on American interpretations of confidential conversations that did not provide the full context and, in some cases, were from third party sources. As a matter of principle, MFA does not comment on leaks. "

Asked whether these leaks would affect Singapore's ties with these countries, the MFA Spokesman said:

"Singapore has long-standing, robust and positive relationships with all countries in our region. These relationships are built on a strong foundation of shared interests and mutually beneficial cooperation in many areas. Countries base relationships on their own interests and not hearsay or gossip."

When asked if he expected that subsequent WikiLeaks reports would contain critical comments about Singapore by other countries, the MFA Spokesman said:

"There are many thousands of leaked cables from US diplomatic missions all around our region. I would be very surprised if Singapore were not the subject of at least some of them. As I said earlier, MFA does not comment on leaks. "

"Singapore takes leaks of confidential information very seriously and would not tolerate it here," the MFA Spokesman added.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
13 DECEMBER 2010