'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.