PNG wants to become permanent associate

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)