ASEAN starts Countdown 2000 Clock

ASEAN starts Countdown 2000 Clock

JAKARTA (JP): Association of Southeast Asian Nations
secretary-general Rodolfo C Severino launched the "ASEAN
Countdown 2000 Clock", marking the approach of the new
millennium, at the ASEAN Secretariat building here yesterday.

"Two thousand is just another year. But like significant
anniversaries in a person's life, like certain birthdays, a
jubilee, a golden wedding anniversary, it is a benchmark for
one's progress in life, an occasion to take stock of the past, a
milestone to anticipate," Severino was quoted by Antara as saying
in his address.

It is in this spirit that ASEAN looks at the approach of this
new chapter in mankind's history as an occasion to recall the
purposes for which ASEAN was founded, he added.

"As we approach the year 2000, there is much to hope for. The
ASEAN Countdown Clock will be a constant reminder for us to keep
moving towards the achievement of the ASEAN Vision 2020 which was
launched last December," he said.

Taman Anggrek Mall in West Jakarta has provided a space for
the main ASEAN clock in Jakarta where for the next 500 days until
the new millennium various activities will be held. They include
cultural exhibitions and seminars.

The first activity was launched last night with the opening of
the ASEAN Gallery of paintings and photographs by Severino.

The gallery will display three art collections until the end
of August. One of the collections was that of 50 paintings of the
ASEAN Art Awards winning entries from 1994-1997.

Another collection was those of Poriaman Sitanggang, Enrico
Soekarno and Non Hendratmo, while the last collection was 100
photographs of the "Eyes on ASEAN" collection of ASEAN peoples at
work and at play, donated by Marina Mahathir.

ASEAN groups Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia,
Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. (swe)