Test case for ASEAN<\/p>\n
The tension straining the Philippines and Singapore ties
\nfollowing the hanging of a Filipino maid seems to be mounting.<\/p>\n
Hand grenades were exploded near the office of Singapore
\nAirlines in Manila and the Philippines' Foreign Ministry office.<\/p>\n
On Saturday Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong wrote a
\nletter to President Fidel Ramos. Sources say that the letter was
\na protest from Goh over the burning of Singaporean flags by
\ndemonstrators in Manila.<\/p>\n
If this is the only message in the letter then there is more
\nreason for concern as a crisis is imminent in the relations of
\nthe two countries. If things get out of hand, an arm conflict is
\nnot ruled out.<\/p>\n
Hence, ASEAN intervention is badly needed. But if Goh and
\nRamos exploit the issue for domestic political gains it will only
\ncomplicate the situation.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, it is time that other member countries of ASEAN
\n-- including Indonesia -- do something to prevent the
\nrelationship from deteriorating further at this point of time.<\/p>\n
-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/test-case-for-asean-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }