ASEAN not a 'hotbed of terrorism'

ASEAN not a 'hotbed of terrorism'

SINGAPORE: Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) need to participate "more wholeheartedly in fighting terrorism," outgoing Secretary-General Rodolfo Severino said in a published interview on Monday.

"As long as there is terrorism, nothing we do is enough," said Severino, whose term draws to a close at the end of this month after being at the helm for five years.

He objected, however, to "talk about Southeast Asia being a hotbed of terrorism" in the interview with The Straits Times.

"I don't think Southeast Asia was or is a hotbed more than Spain was at the time of the Basque separatist movement or Britain was at the height of the IRA attacks," he added.

"There have been terrorist attacks inside the United States, but we do not call America a hotbed of terrorism," Severino said.

Recalling how the regional grouping's image was sullied following the 1997-98 financial crisis, Severino said ASEAN has not only pulled through challenging moments but chalked up some credits in the past five years, mainly on the free trade front. -- DPA