Laos, Myanmar join ASEAN
By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat
PETALING JAYA, Malaysia (JP): Laos and Myanmar were admitted as full members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in a modest ceremony here yesterday, bringing the group one step closer to creating a united region.
While foreign ministers and delegates filled the ceremony with smiles, a cloud hung over proceedings due to the postponement of Cambodian membership.
Just a fortnight ago Phnom Penh had been slated to also join yesterday but the current political turmoil prompted ASEAN foreign ministers to postpone its admission indefinitely.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas described the occasion as a "landmark" in ASEAN's history, saying: "We are now but a single step away from the realization of the vision of the founding fathers of our Association of an ASEAN 10."
The induction ceremony was held at the ballroom of the plush Sunway Lagoon Resorts Hotel, about 15 kilometers outside Kuala Lumpur.
The formal admission of Laos and Myanmar began with the signing of a Declaration on Admission and a Protocol for the Accession into 11 major ASEAN agreements.
After the ceremony inside the ballroom, the ministers went outside to attend the flag-raising ceremony. The Laotian flag was hoisted between Indonesia's and Malaysia's, while the Myanmar flag was hoisted between Malaysia's and the Philippines'.
Laos was represented by Foreign Minister Somsavat Lengsavad while Myanmar by U Ohn Gyaw.
Ohn Gyaw, who wore traditional Myanmar clothing, said the admission was "a significant moment in my country's history".
Somsavat said that membership would allow greater opportunities for Laos to contribute to the cause for common benefits of the region and the world.
Other foreign ministers attending the ceremony were Brunei's Mohamed Bolkiah, Malaysia's Abdullah Badawi, the Philippines' Domingo Siazon, Singapore's S. Jayakumar, Thailand's Prachuab Chaiyasan and Vietnam's Nguyen Manh Cam.
Formed in 1967, ASEAN originally comprised Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei joined in 1984 and Vietnam was admitted in 1995.
Cambodian Foreign Minister Ung Huot, who is also tipped to become first prime minister, was in town but did not attend the ceremony.
Many of the foreign ministers remained upbeat about the ceremony despite the unsettled question of Cambodia.
Badawi said that for the first time the new ASEAN logo and flag was used.
"I am struck by the idea that the symbolic harvest is close at hand," he said referring to the new logo which now has 10 paddy stalks representing the 10 Southeast Asian countries.
Badawi then told his new ASEAN counterparts that member states have a prescribed "ASEAN way" such as the principle of consensus, which new members would learn underpins the workings of the organization.
"Consensus really means putting a premium on longer-term gains as opposed to short-term interests," said Badawi who will chair today's two-day ASEAN Ministerial Meeting.
Jayakumar highlighted the importance of the spirit of musyawarah and mufakat (consensus through deliberation) as decision-making principles. "It is important for ASEAN members to observe the ASEAN way of doing things," he said.
The international focus on Cambodia has moved much of the spotlight from western criticism of ASEAN's acceptance of Myanmar, despite its poor human rights record.
ASEAN refuses to isolate Myanmar, choosing instead to adopt a policy of constructive engagement.
None of the foreign ministers made direct reference to this issue, but several fleetingly touched upon the need to focus on moral concerns.
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