ASEAN criticized for lack of action

ASEAN criticized for lack of action

BANGKOK (AFP): The "alternative" ASEAN human rights network slammed yesterday the Southeast Asian grouping for turning a blind eye to the abuse of citizens within the region, especially in Myanmar and East Timor.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which wound up its 30th anniversary informal summit Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur, had undermined its own vision for peace and stability within the region, the group claimed.

"ASEAN as a body has willfully ignored severe human rights violations and fundamental abuses of law taking place within the region," charged the Bangkok-based Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (Altasean).

"Two instances which immediately come to mind are Burma (Myanmar) and East Timor. ASEAN's failures in this context show it is both unwilling and unable to deal with the tragedies taking place on its doorstep."