Laos, Myanmar join ASEAN

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.

Editorial -- Page 4

AMM -- Page 6

Tariffs -- Page 12