ASEAN policy change possible

Wed, 01 Jul 1998 | Source: AP

BANGKOK (AP): Thailand's call for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to reconsider its policy of non-interference in the affairs of member states is supported by the regional grouping's chief, the Thai Foreign Ministry said yesterday.

ASEAN Secretary-General Rodolfo Severino expressed his support for a policy of "constructive intervention" after his meeting with Thai Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan on Monday, said ministry spokesman Kobsak Chutikul.

Severino was quoted by a Thai newspaper as saying that circumstances in the international community do not allow any country to live in isolation. He said member countries affected by events in another country should speak out about the problems, citing the regional financial crisis and pollution from forest fires as two examples.

Kobsak said Severino's support is significant as he holds a non-partisan position representing the interests of the grouping as a whole.

View JSON | Print