ASEAN summit "approves" Burmese govt reforms
The 19th summit of Southeast Asian nations opens in Bali. Myanmar is expected to hold the association’s presidency in 2014. Its economic and social reforms are welcome. However, the United States and human rights groups remain critical. The economy and South China Sea disputes are on the table during the three-day event.
Bali (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Economic crisis, trade liberalisation, South China Sea disputes and Myanmar’s presidency in 2014 are the main topics of the 19th ASEAN summit, which brings together ten Southeast Asian nations, namely Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Thailand. The meeting is being held in Bali, Indonesia, from 17 to 19 November.
In his opening speech, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (who chairs this year’s meeting) said that ASEAN "wishes to play a greater role in the affairs of the world, to reach out to the world".
In an apparent reference to the South China Sea, where China is embroiled in disputes with several members of the bloc, he said, “We must ensure the stability and security of our region.” For this happen, “ASEAN must continue to play a proactive role to facilitate and engage itself in the resolution of issues.”
The resort island of Bali, normally a haven for tourism and relaxation, has been transformed for the event, with six warships patrolling off the beaches and 7,000 police and soldiers providing security to heads of state and government.
The eurozone and debt crises will be major topics during the three-day meeting since they negatively affect Asian exports to Europe.
ASEAN also plans to accelerate integration among its ten members. However, two key disputes remain unsolved, namely Myanmar’s application to chair the association in 2014 and tensions with China over the natural resources (oil and gas) in the South China Sea.
The Bali summit marks the international debut of the new Burmese government, which is made up of civilians who are closely affiliated with the military leadership that led the country with an iron fist for decades.
ASEAN leaders welcomed the latest developments in Myanmar, including the release of some political prisoners, the return of Aung San Suu Kyi to active politics, and some possible economic and monetary reforms. They also agreed to let Myanmar to chair the 2014 summit.
Myanmar’s Information Minister Kyaw Hsan called on the US to recognise what he said were “irreversible” reforms and abandon its economic sanctions. Nevertheless, the US government does not appear willing (for now) to lift the embargo, citing the need to do more in terms of human rights and individual freedom.
Human rights groups have acknowledged that Myanmar has taken some steps in the right direction. However, Human Rights Watch warned, “the international community should [not] be fooled by these small steps”.
The 19th ASEAN summit, which ends on Saturday, will widen into the East Asia Summit to include Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand, welcoming this year new members, the United States and Russia.
The 20th ASEAN summit is set for next year in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
In his opening speech, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (who chairs this year’s meeting) said that ASEAN "wishes to play a greater role in the affairs of the world, to reach out to the world".
In an apparent reference to the South China Sea, where China is embroiled in disputes with several members of the bloc, he said, “We must ensure the stability and security of our region.” For this happen, “ASEAN must continue to play a proactive role to facilitate and engage itself in the resolution of issues.”
The resort island of Bali, normally a haven for tourism and relaxation, has been transformed for the event, with six warships patrolling off the beaches and 7,000 police and soldiers providing security to heads of state and government.
The eurozone and debt crises will be major topics during the three-day meeting since they negatively affect Asian exports to Europe.
ASEAN also plans to accelerate integration among its ten members. However, two key disputes remain unsolved, namely Myanmar’s application to chair the association in 2014 and tensions with China over the natural resources (oil and gas) in the South China Sea.
The Bali summit marks the international debut of the new Burmese government, which is made up of civilians who are closely affiliated with the military leadership that led the country with an iron fist for decades.
ASEAN leaders welcomed the latest developments in Myanmar, including the release of some political prisoners, the return of Aung San Suu Kyi to active politics, and some possible economic and monetary reforms. They also agreed to let Myanmar to chair the 2014 summit.
Myanmar’s Information Minister Kyaw Hsan called on the US to recognise what he said were “irreversible” reforms and abandon its economic sanctions. Nevertheless, the US government does not appear willing (for now) to lift the embargo, citing the need to do more in terms of human rights and individual freedom.
Human rights groups have acknowledged that Myanmar has taken some steps in the right direction. However, Human Rights Watch warned, “the international community should [not] be fooled by these small steps”.
The 19th ASEAN summit, which ends on Saturday, will widen into the East Asia Summit to include Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand, welcoming this year new members, the United States and Russia.
The 20th ASEAN summit is set for next year in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
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