Laos, Myanmar join ASEAN<\/p>\n
By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat<\/p>\n
PETALING JAYA, Malaysia (JP): Laos and Myanmar were admitted
\nas full members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
\n(ASEAN) in a modest ceremony here yesterday, bringing the group
\none step closer to creating a united region.<\/p>\n
While foreign ministers and delegates filled the ceremony with
\nsmiles, a cloud hung over proceedings due to the postponement of
\nCambodian membership.<\/p>\n
Just a fortnight ago Phnom Penh had been slated to also join
\nyesterday but the current political turmoil prompted ASEAN
\nforeign ministers to postpone its admission indefinitely.<\/p>\n
Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas described the occasion
\nas a \"landmark\" in ASEAN's history, saying: \"We are now but a
\nsingle step away from the realization of the vision of the
\nfounding fathers of our Association of an ASEAN 10.\"<\/p>\n
The induction ceremony was held at the ballroom of the plush
\nSunway Lagoon Resorts Hotel, about 15 kilometers outside Kuala
\nLumpur.<\/p>\n
The formal admission of Laos and Myanmar began with the
\nsigning of a Declaration on Admission and a Protocol for the
\nAccession into 11 major ASEAN agreements.<\/p>\n
After the ceremony inside the ballroom, the ministers went
\noutside to attend the flag-raising ceremony. The Laotian flag was
\nhoisted between Indonesia's and Malaysia's, while the Myanmar
\nflag was hoisted between Malaysia's and the Philippines'.<\/p>\n
Laos was represented by Foreign Minister Somsavat Lengsavad
\nwhile Myanmar by U Ohn Gyaw.<\/p>\n
Ohn Gyaw, who wore traditional Myanmar clothing, said the
\nadmission was \"a significant moment in my country's history\".<\/p>\n
Somsavat said that membership would allow greater
\nopportunities for Laos to contribute to the cause for common
\nbenefits of the region and the world.<\/p>\n
Other foreign ministers attending the ceremony were Brunei's
\nMohamed Bolkiah, Malaysia's Abdullah Badawi, the Philippines'
\nDomingo Siazon, Singapore's S. Jayakumar, Thailand's Prachuab
\nChaiyasan and Vietnam's Nguyen Manh Cam.<\/p>\n
Formed in 1967, ASEAN originally comprised Indonesia,
\nMalaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei joined
\nin 1984 and Vietnam was admitted in 1995.<\/p>\n
Cambodian Foreign Minister Ung Huot, who is also tipped to
\nbecome first prime minister, was in town but did not attend the
\nceremony.<\/p>\n
Many of the foreign ministers remained upbeat about the
\nceremony despite the unsettled question of Cambodia.<\/p>\n
Badawi said that for the first time the new ASEAN logo and
\nflag was used.<\/p>\n
\"I am struck by the idea that the symbolic harvest is close
\nat hand,\" he said referring to the new logo which now has 10
\npaddy stalks representing the 10 Southeast Asian countries.<\/p>\n
Badawi then told his new ASEAN counterparts that member states
\nhave a prescribed \"ASEAN way\" such as the principle of consensus,
\nwhich new members would learn underpins the workings of the
\norganization.<\/p>\n
\"Consensus really means putting a premium on longer-term gains
\nas opposed to short-term interests,\" said Badawi who will chair
\ntoday's two-day ASEAN Ministerial Meeting.<\/p>\n
Jayakumar highlighted the importance of the spirit of
\nmusyawarah and mufakat (consensus through deliberation) as
\ndecision-making principles. \"It is important for ASEAN members to
\nobserve the ASEAN way of doing things,\" he said.<\/p>\n
The international focus on Cambodia has moved much of the
\nspotlight from western criticism of ASEAN's acceptance of
\nMyanmar, despite its poor human rights record.<\/p>\n
ASEAN refuses to isolate Myanmar, choosing instead to adopt a
\npolicy of constructive engagement.<\/p>\n
None of the foreign ministers made direct reference to this
\nissue, but several fleetingly touched upon the need to focus on
\nmoral concerns.<\/p>\n
Editorial -- Page 4<\/p>\n
AMM -- Page 6<\/p>\n
Tariffs -- Page 12<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/laos-myanmar-join-asean-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }