Southeast Asia presses Myanmar, says region ‘lost’

First posted 08:44pm (Mla time) June 20, 2006
Agence France-Presse


KUALA LUMPUR -- Southeast Asian lawmakers called Tuesday for Myanmar to be hauled in front of the UN Security Council, saying its neighbors were "lost" on how to deal with the country's military rulers.

a sign of growing frustration across the region, the bloc's main committee on Myanmar said there had been no sign of change despite calls for democracy and the release of political prisoners like Aung San Suu Kyi.

"We urge the United Nations to take the issue to the Security Council," said the chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Inter-parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC), Malaysia's Zaid Ibrahim.

ere is no democratic progress in Myanmar and ASEAN is lost on what to do," aid in a telephone interview from the Indonesian capital Jakarta where some 20 council members gathered to decide on future action plans.

"Unless there is pressure from the UN and the Security Council, I do not see any changes taking place and Aung San Suu Kyi will continue to be detained," said Zaid, speaking on behalf of the caucus.

Lawmakers from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand are members of the caucus, which was formed in 2004 to push for democratic reforms in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma.

ASEAN has put aside its policy of non-interference in members' affairs in recent months to demand that Myanmar's ruling generals introduce democratic reforms or risk bringing the entire region into disrepute.

Regional government have begun openly expressing their irritation with the Myanmar generals, and there have been rumblings that it should be ejected from ASEAN which it joined in 1997.

The regime thumbed its nose at ASEAN envoy Syed Hamid Albar, the foreign minister of Malaysia, which the group sent to Yangon earlier this year to check on its claims to be shifting towards democracy.

Syed Hamid was denied access to Aung San Suu Kyi, prompting him to say that regional leaders were "frustrated and disillusioned" with their intransigent neighbor.

Zaid said that regional heavyweights China and India must now play a bigger role in ending Yangon's repressive policies and campaigning for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi.

"We think it is not in the interest of China and India to allow the political situation in Myanmar to remain stagnant as it poses a problem to its neighbors," he said.

t December the United States pushed the UN Security Council to hold a briefing on human rights and other problems in Myanmar for the first time.

Washington is now lobbying for a UN Security Council resolution calling on Myanmar's military regime to change its repressive policies.

UN Deputy Secretary General Mark Malloch Brown said Monday that it was possible Myanmar could be referred to Security Council.

The junta crushed pro-democracy demonstrations in 1988 and two years later rejected the results of national elections won by the National League for Democracy, headed by Aung San Suu Kyi.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner has spent 10 of the past 17 years in detention at her lakeside home in Yangon.

ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.


http://news.inq7.net/breaking/index.php?in...&story_id=79839

RP resolution for observer status in UN assembly OK’d


By Veronica Uy
INQ7.net
Last updated 06:30pm (Mla time) 10/26/2006


A PHILIPPINE-initiated resolution on the application of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for an observer seat in the General Assembly has been adopted unanimously without a vote by a committee in the United Nations, the Philippine Mission said in a statement e-mailed to media.

The Mission said this made ASEAN's bid for observer status in the world body “as good as approved.”

Ambassador Lauro Baja Jr., Permanent Representative of the Philippines and chairman of the ASEAN New York Committee, explained that the Philippine resolution, which the Sixth Legal Committee had adopted, would now go to the Plenary of the General Assembly, where the granting of observer status to ASEAN would just be a formality.

"The swift approval of ASEAN's request acknowledges the positive role ASEAN plays in world affairs and in significant ways recognize the prestige of the association," the ambassador said.

Baja, who was chairman of the Sixth Committee during the 58th UN General Assembly, said this development was a source of pride for the Philippines.

As an observer in the UN, ASEAN will be entitled to sit in all meetings of the General Assembly where it has special and particular interest on issues under discussion. It is expected that initially whoever heads ASEAN will occupy the seat reserved for the regional body, said Baja.

"Being an observer in the UN will increase ASEAN's visibility," Baja said.

"Participation of ASEAN as an observer in the UN will further enhance cooperation between the two institutions even as it broadens and deepens ASEAN's interaction with other UN member states, regional and international organizations in their common pursuant of peace, justice and the rule of law," Baja added.

The resolution which was presented by the Philippines before the Sixth Committee on October 16, was co-sponsored by the nine other ASEAN member-states -- Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam -- along with Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Portugal, Korea, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.

http://globalnation.inq7.net/news/news/vie...rticle_id=28822

Asean heads sign landmark accord to combat terrorism
01/13/2007 | 02:08 PM

CEBU - Southeast Asian leaders on Saturday signed a landmark accord allowing for easier prosecution and extradition of terror suspects in a region that has been hit by deadly attacks and bred al-Qaeda-linked militants.

The legally binding Asean Convention on Counterterrorism was signed by the leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Cebu city, becoming the first region-wide anti-terrorism edict.

The accord calls on the nations to improve regional cooperation to prevent attacks and to rapidly share intelligence and relay terror warnings among member countries.

Earlier Asean heads have adopted a “proactive" approach to protect rights of migrant workers in Asean member countries.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Esteban Conejos Jr. said the declaration will simplify matters by defining the receiving states, the sending states and the commitment of Asean.

“Basically, the obligation of the receiving states is to promote harmony and understanding between the host governments/states and the migrant workers," he said in a statement.

Conejos said Asean leaders were to sign the Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of the Migrant Workers within the day Saturday.

He said the obligations of the receiving states include facilitating access to certain services and remedies through information, training and education, legal and judicial system, social welfare benefits, protection of employment, payment of wages and the provision of decent working and living condition of the migrant workers.

The host country should also provide assistance to any victims of discrimination, abuse, exploitation and violence.

If a national is detained or arrested, the host government should facilitate the exercise of consular functions to consular or diplomatic authorities of states of origin.

Meanwhile, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo formally opened the three-day Asean summit Saturday morning, receiving the heads of state who arrived at the resort riding a golf cart that ferried them from their cottages to the Mactan Summit Hall.

The leaders were led into the summit hall to start their first retreat session to discuss the future direction of Asean.

Mrs Arroyo urged Asean member countries to initiate concrete projects and programs that would flesh out the theme of the 12th Asean Summit: “One Caring and Sharing Community."

“We want to advance the sense of community in our shared interest to look after each other in terms of justice, economic development and common security," she said.

She said the regional grouping is also committed to expand its trade area “to create one of the world’s greatest trading blocks."

Mrs Arroyo also urged the private sector to play a more proactive role in the implementation of the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) flagship programs and projects.

At the 3rd BIMP-EAGA Leaders Summit at the posh Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa Friday, she also cited the importance of BIMP-EAGA’s development partners in harnessing the full potential of the growth area.

“It is the private sector of the region that plays a crucial role in economic integration. And so, in this Summit, we hope that we can indeed urge the private sector to play a more proactive role in the implementation of BIMP-EAGA flagship programs and projects," she said.

She cited the sub-regional grouping’s initiatives such as the halal poultry project, renewable energy, and environmental concerns.

Meanwhile, Timor L’Este expressed its deep appreciation to the Asean for their role in helping bring peace and build stability in their country.

Timor L’Este Foreign Minister Dr. Jose Luis Guterres expressed his country’s sentiment during the Asean-Timor L’Este Foreign Ministers Meeting chaired by foreign affairs secretary Alberto Romulo.

He expressed particular appreciation to the Philippines for sending members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to join the UN mission in Timor Leste.

He also expressed gratitude and admiration for PNP Director Roldofo Tor, who was named by the United Nations as the police commissioner for its new mission in East Timor.

Timor L’Este is scheduled to accede to Asean’s Treaty of Amity and Cooperation during the 12th Asean Summit and Related Summits in Cebu.

It is viewed as the first step towards full membership in the regional bloc that is moving towards full regional integration. - GMANews.TV with a report from AP

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/26741/Asean-he...ombat-terrorism

16 Asian nations to adopt accord on boosting energy security

The Cebu Goals on East Asian Energy Security is to be signed Monday by the heads of government at the East Asia Summit, which brings together the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and their six dialogue partners - Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.

The plan aims to help countries reduce their dependence on conventional fuels through intensified energy efficiency programs, expansion of renewable
energy systems and biofuel production and utilization, according to a draft copy of the agreement obtained by The Associated Press.

The accord does not say what types of biofuels might be emphasized and does not give specific details of the kinds of energy efficiency programs being considered.

But some Asean countries such as Malaysia have started working to commercially produce alternative fuels such as bio-diesel, comprising mainly palm oil, and ethanol made from the sap of nipa trees.

Using such renewable raw materials to produce fuels is aimed at reducing the world's dependence on dwindling stores of fossil fuels such as crude oil and coal. Bio-fuels also produce lower amounts of harmful greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming compared to traditional fuel sources.

Minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in infrastructure - such as a regional electricity grid and a natural gas pipeline spanning Southeast Asia - to ensure stable energy supplies are among the draft agreement's other goals.

The blueprint provides no timeframe for these goals, which underscore increasing efforts by Asean in recent years to enhance energy cooperation and alleviate the impact of high oil prices

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/26753/16-Asian...energy-security

France, East Timor to sign nonaggression pact with Asean
01/13/2007 | 05:36 PM

Email this | Email the Editor | Print | Digg this | Add to del.icio.us CEBU - France and East Timor were set to sign a nonaggression pact with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) on Saturday - a sign of both countries' hopes for stronger trade and diplomatic ties with the grouping.

The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation requires signatories to renounce the use or threat of force against Asean members, stresses noninterference in signatories' internal affairs and allows for arbitration of disputes by a tribunal.

It is also a prerequisite to enter the East Asia Summit, a 16-country bloc spearheaded by Asean that was launched in December 2005 as part of ambitious efforts to chart a pan-Asian community.

French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy and East Timorese Foreign Minister Jose Luis Guterres were scheduled to sign the treaty during the Asean annual summit Saturday in the central Philippine city of Cebu.

France would be the 11th country outside Asean - and the first European one - to sign the treaty, after Australia, China, India, Japan, Mongolia, New Zealand, South Korea, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea and Russia.

France has so far had little strategic interest in Southeast Asia, but its accession to the treaty is considered a sign of Paris' aspirations for deeper economic and political engagement with the region.

East Timor, meanwhile, has voiced hopes of becoming an Asean member within the next few years following the tiny country's nation-building efforts in the wake of its bloody break from Indonesian rule in 1999.

Asean, which is stepping up efforts for regional economic integration, could benefit from East Timor's large oil and gas reserves once it joins the grouping.

Asean comprises Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Brunei. - AP

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/26752/France-E...pact-with-Asean

ASEAN Region Forum holds first security exercise

Agence France-Presse
Last updated 06:54pm (Mla time) 01/23/2007

SINGAPORE -- Asia's leading security forum took a crucial step from talk to action this week, carrying out its first operational exercise aimed at shoring up defenses against maritime security threats.

Singapore's defense ministry said 21 nations including the United States, Russia and Asian powers China, India and Japan were involved in the onshore simulated exercise held Monday and Tuesday.

This is the first time an operational exercise has been carried out under the umbrella of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum (ARF), it said, signaling the security grouping's progression.

Such exercises are aimed at honing the interoperability of the different security agencies in dealing with potential threats, delegates said.

"With this exercise, we have taken a significant step in the right direction," said Singapore Navy fleet commander Rear Admiral Tan Kai Hoe.

"The maritime security threat has clearly moved beyond its traditional concerns of maritime piracy and armed robbery."

"It is encouraging to note that the ARF has recognized the need to move as well from dialogue to concrete, practical cooperation to manage the challenges we collectively face today."

Security analysts have said that the focus on maritime security is spawned by concerns that extremists could mount a seaborne version of the September 11, 2001 airborne attacks in the United States.

Diplomatic sources have said Singapore is among the countries which had been pushing the ARF to hold joint exercises.

About 102 delegates, including military and naval officers, port authority representatives and policy-makers, participated in this week's event held at the Singapore Navy's Tactical Training Center at Changi Naval Base.

Participants were divided into teams and were tested on how they will coordinate and cooperate in dealing with simulated maritime security scenarios to complement discussions on information sharing and transnational security cooperation.

"The very goal of trying to achieve interoperability between the operational forces -- that in itself...presumes sharing of information that could go a long way in combating terrorism," said Alberto Encomienda, secretary general of the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs.

Colonel Siow Chee Khiang of the Singapore Navy added: "What we hope in the future is to increase the complexity of the exercise, including the possibility of having access at sea to conduct a real exercise."

The 26-member ARF is the only formal security forum in the Asia-Pacific region.

Foreign ministers from the ARF member states meet annually to discuss security issues. This year's meeting will be held in the Philippines in late July.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/...rticle_id=45190

ASEAN opts for further integration

By Beth Day Romulo

WHILE the arrival of China’s Premier, Wen Jiabao, on a 2-day official visit to the Philippines and as dialogue partner at the ASEAN Summit got the most media attention, the summit itself, hosted by the Philippines and chaired by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, was unusually active and productive. Perhaps smarting at the designation of being a "talk shop,’’ ASEAN showed its muscle by committing to a wide range of agreements. First on its list was an anti-terrorism act with teeth in it, which provides a framework to track and extradite suspects, share intelligence, and offer close cooperation in arresting, prosecuting, and preventing attacks. This agreement was adopted on the first day. Unfortunately for the Philippines, the Senate has been laggard about passing an anti-terror law which it has been sitting on for a year, that is basic to full cooperation with other countries.

Two years ago, ASEAN noted that it has survived all these years without a Charter and appointed one representative from each of the 10 member countries to provide a blueprint of what a Charter should include. Former President Fidel Ramos was the Philippine member of the Eminent Persons Group which worked on the Charter. They agree that the organization needs rules and a legal entity so that if members violate the rules, they can be suspended, and at worst, expelled. Since the Eminent Persons Group has been working on the Charter, trade in the area has increased 23 percent which verifies the need for clear guidelines. The blueprint was presented and unanimously accepted at the summit in Cebu and is supposed to be ready for ratification at the next summit to be held in Singapore in November. One of the 28 recommendations was that ASEAN leaders should meet more frequently.

Protection of the rights of migrant workers was also high on the agenda and an agreement was reached for equal wages, decent working conditions, and protection from illegal recruitment, trafficking, and prostitution.

An ASEAN Common Trade agreement is slated to be reached by 2015. Meanwhile an ASEAN-China trade agreement on services was inked, which opens up services sectors such as banking, information technology, and tourism.

China pushed for a renewal of the stalled six-party talks on denuclearization of North Korea and the Philippines responded by offering to host the talks. As foreign Secretary Bert Romulo commented, "Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is essential to maintain peace in the region.’’

East Timor, which hopes eventually to qualify for membership in ASEAN, was present as an observor and Timor’s human rights activist Prime Minister Ramos Horta, called upon Myanmar to free Aung San Sui Ky. President Arroyo endorsed those sentiments but could not win unanimity among her colleagues, who consider Myanmar’s political situation an "internal’’ matter. At the UN Security Council, China vetoed a US resolution for further sanctions against Myanmar. One wonders, when a charter is finally endorsed, whether the military junta that rules Myanmar will consider abiding by human rights requirements, or try to get by with vague promises of democratic reforms, which has been its behavior in ASEAN thus far.

Cooperation on the fight against HIV/AIDS and energy security through the development of alternate sources of energy was also agreed upon, and freeing up trade regionally is on the docket.

ASEAN is pressing for a resolution of the Doha Round of trade agreements at the World Trade Organization (WTO) but meanwhile is making regional trade agreements of its own. "At a time when the Doha round is faltering, ASEAN wants to stand up and proclaim its support for keeping the doors of global trade open,’’ declared president Arroyo, speaking for all her colleagues in ASEAN.

The ASEAN Summit meetings were held among the 10 member nations and followed by discussions with ASEAN dialogue partners South Korea, Japan, Australia, China, India, and New Zealand.

In its agreements the Southeast Asian nations must walk a fine line, stressing cooperation and not competition, since many of these countries produce the same products.

In addition to the ChinaASEAN agreement, the Philippines pursued its own bilateral agreements with its giant neighbor which include investments, loans, and China’s further contributions to ADB for poverty alleviation.

It is clear that China is taking a lead role in the affairs of its Asian neighbors. "We’re both friendly neighbors and important strategic partners,’’ Premier Wen told his audience at the ceremonies upon his arrival. "We need each other in our respective development endeavors and we are bound by common interest.’’ Among the investments discussed would be the development of corn and rice plantations on idle land and the construction of an ethanol plant. The 17 agreements also include official development assistance (ODA’s) to build a shipyard and a cold storage plant.

http://www.mb.com.ph/OPED2007012385302.html

Activist slams China, India over cyclone aid

The founder of the Free Burma Coalition accused Myanmar neighbors China and India on Thursday of failing to do their share of "heavy lifting" in aiding victims of the Myanmar cyclone

Maung Zarni, a visiting research fellow at Oxford University, said both nations could do more in trying to persuade the Myanmar junta to allow international aid workers and equipment into the country.

China and India are members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which Zarni called "a total disaster" for the same reason.

"The latest episode involving the junta's handling of the cyclone victims in Burma really calls into question the meaning and the usefulness, the value of ASEAN," he added.

The organization of 10 nations promotes economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region.

"China isn't doing its share of heavy lifting, and the same can be said about India as well," Zarni said.

More>http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/0...urma/index.html

CNN got it wrong though China and India are Asean members.

Thai protests cancel Asian summit
BBC News
Page last updated at 07:33 GMT, Saturday, 11 April 2009 08:33 UK


A summit of Asian leaders in Thailand has been postponed after anti-government protesters broke into the venue in the resort of Pattaya.

The government has announced a state of emergency in Pattaya where leaders of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) had been due to meet.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the government's priority was now to ensure leaders got home safely.

Thailand has been in turmoil, with the opposition demanding fresh elections.

As the summit was due to get under way in Pattaya, thousands of red-shirted supporters of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra smashed into the media centre adjacent to the conference hall.

The BBC's Jonathan Head in Bangkok says Thais have spent months organising the summit, but security around the venue collapsed in a matter of hours as thousands pushed their way through the police cordon.

A government spokesman said the situation was "too violent" for the meeting to take place.

Mr Abhisit said in a statement broadcast live on TV: "The task for me and the government now is to provide security for the leaders to travel back home safely."

Earlier, he had vowed the Asean summit, called to discuss the global financial crisis, would go ahead.

It was due to get into full swing on Saturday before concluding on Sunday with a summit due to include India, Australia and New Zealand.


'Lorries and taxis'

Earlier on Saturday, riot police intervened to separate the protesters from hundreds of blue-shirted government supporters.

Some government supporters were armed with sticks and bottles and some of the protesters could be seen wielding sticks and at least one knife.

Deputy Thai government spokesman Supachai Jaisamut said the government was investigating unconfirmed reports that three people were shot and wounded in the clashes.

"There is an informal report of two or three injured, they are blue shirts," he said.

"We don't know exactly but maybe the bullets came from the red shirts?"

The foreign ministers of China, Japan and South Korea had to cancel a trilateral session because of the disturbances.

Another meeting - between China and Asean - was postponed after demonstrators prevented the leaders from leaving their hotels.

"The Asean-China summit has been postponed because of the attempts to block the arrangement of the leaders," Thai government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn told reporters.

The meeting would have been the foreign ministers' first opportunity to discuss last Sunday's launch of a North Korean rocket, widely viewed as a long-range missile test.


'Puppet' charge

The Asean summit has already been postponed and relocated because of Thailand's political turmoil.

Mr Abhisit came to power in December. He formed a coalition after a court ruled the previous government, led by allies of Mr Thaksin, was illegal.

The move came after anti-Thaksin protesters shut down the country's airport for eight days and besieged government offices.

Mr Thaksin's supporters in the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) accuse Mr Abhisit's government of being a puppet of the military.

They say he took office illegitimately and should resign so fresh elections can be held.

Thai riots halt Asean meet; Arroyo, other leaders evacuated
GMANews.tv
04/11/2009 | 04:56 PM


PATTAYA, Thailand — Thailand declared a state of emergency in the city hosting a summit of Asian leaders and canceled the event for security reasons Saturday after more than 1,000 anti-government protesters stormed the venue.

The leaders, including President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, were being evacuated by helicopter from the seaside city of Pattaya to a nearby military airport, a security official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

The red-shirted protesters, who are calling for the resignation of Thai Prime Abhisit Vejjajiva, smashed through the glass doors of the convention hall and ran through the building, overturning tables, blowing horns, waving Thai flags and screaming, "Abhisit get out!

All the leaders were safe, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Tharit Charungvat. Nine leaders from Southeast Asian nations were in a nearby hotel on the convention grounds at the time the protesters broke in.

"The meeting cannot go on. We have to consider the security of the leaders," government spokesman Supachai Jaisamuth said. "The situation is too violent and it is a security concern for the leaders."

The chaos dealt a major blow to Abhisit, who has been trying to project an image of calm and normality since taking power in a parliamentary vote four months ago after a court dissolved the previous government for election fraud.

It also scuttles a chance for the 16 regional leaders, including those from China, Japan and South Korea, to confer on ways to combat the global slump that has battered Asia's export-oriented economies. North Korea's recent rocket launch also was to be discussed at the weekend summit.

The protesters are supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was deposed in a 2006 military coup. They say Abhisit was not elected by the people and should step down so new elections can be held.

"We want to tell Abhisit himself that this meeting cannot go on," protest leader Arisman Pongreungrong said after leading the mob into the convention hall.

Abhisit, who has repeatedly refused to step down, went on national television and declared a state of emergency in the area surrounding the summit.

"I am using my power as the prime minister to declare a state of emergency in the area of Pattaya and Chonburi," he said.

The decree gives the military the right to restore order, allows authorities to suspend civil liberties, bans public gatherings of more than five people and bars the media from reporting news that "causes panic."

Earlier, organizers said all morning meetings at the summit had been delayed after protesters blocked traffic around the hotels where delegates were staying and amid clashes between anti- and pro-government groups. There were unconfirmed reports of protesters carrying guns.

Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said two or three people were injured in the clashes and that authorities were investigating reports of shots fired and an explosion.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao was scheduled to meet with the leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Saturday morning. That was to be followed by meetings between ASEAN leaders and the president of South Korea, and later with Japan's prime minister.

A breakfast meeting of the foreign ministers from Japan, China and South Korea was also canceled.

After the protesters broke into the convention hall, a reporter saw at least three people with cuts from the glass and blood on the floor.

Panitan said protesters have been warned that "very tough standards will be applied to them very soon." - AP