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.