'ASEM should be better recognized by Asians'

'ASEM should be better recognized by Asians'

In conjunction with the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Bali
from July 21 through July 24, in which France is one of the
participants, French Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
Renaud Muselier shares his view in a written interview with The
Jakarta Post's reporter Fabiola Desy Unidjaja. Below are excerpts
from the interview.

Question: Many continue to consider ASEM's impact, both
politically and economically, as being far less than the Asia
Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Why do you think that
is?

Answer: I have noted that ASEM is often compared with APEC,
frequently highlighting supposed shortcomings in the dialog
between Europe and Asia in contrast to the Trans-Pacific forum.

But I think the comparison is misleading and too simplistic.
ASEM's remit is wider, being profoundly different in nature. Its
aims are far more ambitious, since this is a forum for political
dialog. No topic is off-limits for discussion, and that is its
great strength.

The economic pillar is merely one component, and its
achievements in this area are by no means negligible. The task
forces set up with a view to promoting trade and investment have
provided a framework in which to study ways to boost trade
between us. The Task Force on strengthening our economic
partnership is expected to produce innovative proposals in the
fields of trade, investment and finance.

It is important to stress the global nature of ASEM, and the
political dialog carried on within it is substantial, which
provides a setting to air all topics of mutual interest,
including threats to peace and international security.

The "Third Pillar" covers cooperation in a wide range of
fields, including education, environment, science and technology,
culture, sustainable development, and so forth.

ASEM is far from being overshadowed by APEC. Perhaps it
suffers from being less well-known, but efforts are in progress
to raise its profile.

Could you elaborate more on the partnerships scheme offered by
the EU to ASEAN under the "TREATI" concept?

One needs to tread extremely carefully in dealing with this
point, since the discussions being held in Brussels are still at
a very preliminary stage (the Commission's document has yet to be
discussed in Council).

As part of the review currently in progress between the
Commission and the Member States regarding the overhaul of
relations between the EU and ASEAN, the Commission plans shortly
to submit a Communication to the Council.

This Communication refers to the launch of the Trans-regional
EU-ASEAN Trade Initiative (TREATI), which will seek to promote
closer cooperation on a pick-and-choose basis, and to facilitate
trade and investment between us.

I cannot prejudge the outcome of the discussions as they have
not yet taken place. The European Union Council will examine this
Commission initiative, which we believe to be innovative and
ambitious. France will be contributing wholeheartedly to efforts
to strengthen EU-ASEAN relations, which is something it earnestly
desires.

What needs to be done to improve security cooperation among
ASEM members in dealing with global security threats?

These transnational threats to peace and international
security are of mutual concern to Europe and Asia alike, forcing
us to act together. Examples of our common response include the
political declarations adopted by us in the past concerning the
situation on the Korean peninsula, and the one we are planning to
adopt on the fight against weapons of mass destruction
proliferation, serving as a reminder of our determination to
strive relentlessly to intensify those efforts.

These declarations are backed up by action plans. The
Declaration on fighting terrorism adopted at the Copenhagen
Summit provides for concrete measures, both short and long-term.

A seminar to review these actions in greater detail will take
place in Beijing in October of this year. Other initiatives
provide for us to work together in fighting corruption, money
laundering, transnational crime and trafficking in women and
children.

Security issues are a central concern. Much has been achieved
already, and we plan to step up our cooperation in these areas.

What is France's stance on the recent establishment of the
Iraqi council?

France has noted with interest the installation of a
transitional government council in Iraq. It views this as a
positive first step in a process that ought to lead to the rapid
restoration of full Iraqi sovereignty and total control by the
Iraqis over their destiny.

For restoration of full Iraqi sovereignty must continue to be
a tangible objective, both for the Iraqi people, for Iraq's
neighbors, and for the international community as a whole.

Consequently, the political process must set precise
deadlines, following closely on each other, and should provide
for greater United Nations involvement.

We are convinced that the United Nations ought to play a
greater role in the arrangements. Responsibility for stabilizing
Iraq lies with the occupying powers first and foremost. As
President Chirac has emphasized, any French involvement in the
restoration of security in Iraq can be envisaged only within the
framework of a UN peacekeeping force mandated by the Security
Council.

What is your opinion of the ongoing military operation in
Aceh?

We are especially concerned by the imposition of martial law
for six months in Aceh, and by the deteriorating human rights
situation in the province. Indeed we have informed our Indonesian
counterparts of our concerns.

We reaffirm our support for the preservation of Indonesia's
territorial integrity and call on the parties concerned to strive
for a peaceful, negotiated solution. We support the work of the
Henry Dunant Humanitarian Centre.

How does France see bilateral relations with Indonesia?

Indonesia is an important trading partner for France. Our
exports rose 14.5% in 2001, and by 4.8% in 2002 to 518 million
euros. The stock of French investment in Indonesia totaled 650
million euros at the end of 2002, representing 1.2% of the total.
The European Union is Indonesia's second-largest trading partner
after Japan, and its number-one source of foreign direct
investment (FDI).

The visit to Indonesia by the French Minister of State for
Foreign Affairs, Dr. Renaud Muselier, reflects France's desire to
do more to nurture its bilateral relations with Indonesia and it
follows on from the visit to France on July 4 of Indonesian
foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda, who was received by his
counterpart de Villepin.

Our convergence of views on the great international issues of
the hour, such as the conflict in Iraq and the fight against
international terrorism, lend even greater value to the ever-
closer consultations between the two countries.

The French President has invited President Megawati
Soekarnoputri to visit France.