ASEAN readies community blueprint
ASEAN readies community blueprint
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers
concluded their 37th annual meeting on Wednesday, disembarking on
a long process of building the ASEAN Community by the year 2020.
The following are the highlights of the Joint Communique
issued by the foreign ministers.
The ministers agreed that they were committed to establishing
an ASEAN Security Community, an Economic Community and a Socio-
cultural Community.
The Vientiane Action Program (VAP) is the six-year plan to
realize the medium-term goals of ASEAN Community, which will
focus on deepening regional integration and narrowing the
development gap between countries.
The ministers agreed on the text prepared regarding the plan
of action for the ASEAN Security Community (ASC) and will submit
the draft during the Vientiane Summit in November.
They also discussed a wide range of political issues,
including the non-interference principle.
On Myanmar, the ministers said "the involvement of all strata
of Myanmar society in the ongoing National Convention" is needed
and they recognized the role of the special representative of the
United Nations in assisting Myanmar to achieve its goal.
The ministers warmly welcomed the accession of China and
India to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) and look
forward to the accession of Japan and Pakistan on July 2, 2004.
They reaffirmed the commitment to a Southeast Asia Nuclear
Weapon Free Zone and agreed to work together to resolve any
nuclear crisis in the region.
The establishment of an ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Unit was
endorsed and would be part of the ASEAN Secretariat. They will
consider the application of new participants on a "case-by-case
basis" and welcomed the admission of Pakistan as a new member.
They also reiterated calls for all parties in the South China
Sea dispute to abide by international law in finding a peaceful
solution.
The ministers were encouraged by the decision to enhance
regional and national capacity to combat the transnational crimes
in the areas of public awareness raising, legislative development
and law enforcement.
ASEAN reiterated its condemnation of terrorism in all of its
forms and manifestations, and agreed to enhance the cooperation
and coordination with the wider international community.
They reaffirmed the importance of maritime security
cooperation and agreed to foster comprehensive, integrated and
holistic cooperation.
They reaffirmed a commitment to the protection and promotion
of human rights and noted the establishment of a national human
rights mechanism in some member countries.
The ministers welcomed the ongoing negotiation of the Free
Trade Areas in the region and enhancement of economic relations
between ASEAN and its dialog partners.
The ministers will soon finalize the draft of the
Sociocultural Community plan of action draft that consists of
building a community of caring societies, managing the social
impact of economic integration, promoting environmental
sustainability and strengthening regional identity.
They welcomed the signing of the declaration of the
elimination of violence against women.
They said it was important to address the problems of HIV/AIDS
and maintain close coordination in fighting communicable
diseases.
On the environment issue, the ministers welcomed the entry
into force of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution
(ATHP).
They reaffirmed their determination to continue to drive the
ASEAN+3 cooperation and to work with China, Japan and Korea in
promoting East Asia cooperation.
They endorsed the recommendation to convene a Summit with
Australia and New Zealand that would be designated as a
commemorative Summit.
They expressed strong support for the ongoing UN reform
efforts aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of
the UN system.
ASEAN welcomed the restoration of sovereignty in Iraq on June
28, 2004 and emphasized the need to ensure substantive
materialization of their sovereign status.
They expressed grave concerns about the deteriorating
situation in the Middle East and condemned all acts of violence.
They recognized the impact of the Korean Peninsula nuclear
issue on the peace, stability and security of the Asia-Pacific
region. They emphasized the need to find a peaceful solution
through dialog in the spirit of mutual respect and equality.