PNG wants to become permanent associate
JAKARTA (JP): Papua New Guinea is seeking the creation of a new status as "permanent associate" of ASEAN, arguing that its current title of "special observer" creates a great deal of uncertainty in its ties with the association.
"Papua New Guinea believes that relations would be made stronger and more certain through developing a clearly defined form of permanent association with ASEAN," said PNG Foreign Minister Kilroy Genia.
He argued that the title of special observer "creates some uncertainty about future ASEAN Papua New Guinea relations."
The status of "observer" usually implies a transitional stage for future members like that of Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. However, since Papua New Guinea does not figure into the vision of an ASEAN-10 and is not part of the Southeast Asian region it was accorded "special observer" status 20 years ago.
Genia said his country was very committed in its arrangements and cooperation with ASEAN, however the current status "suggests we do not participate as fully as we do in ASEAN meetings but only observe what others do".
ASEAN Secretary-General Dato' Ajit Singh said that it was the first time he had heard of PNG's proposal. "We need a further discussion," he told The Jakarta Post.
Speaking at a consultative meeting chaired by Vietnamese Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cam on behalf of other ASEAN ministers, Genia said here yesterday that Papua New Guinea would like to acquire a status that is clearly intended to be lasting.
While often overlooked in the ASEAN scheme, Papua New Guinea has a proven track record of close association and "firsts" with ASEAN.
Apart from becoming the first observer, it was also the first non-ASEAN country to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. It is also one of the founding members of the ASEAN Regional Forum.
"We therefore propose that ASEAN members agree that senior officials should meet to develop a draft declaration guiding relations between ASEAN and Papua New Guinea for presentation at the 30th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting next year," Genia said.
ASEAN has yet to officially reply to the proposal, saying that it needs to be studied first. (mds)