Aquino says Asean must assist Myanmar in it's democratic transformation
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: President Benigno S. Aquino III said he’s convinced that Myanmar is serious in its march towards democracy as manifested by the recent actions of its leadership.
Interviewed by the Philippine media at the Sofitel hotel here on Tuesday evening, the President said Myanmar should be rewarded for its actions and that the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) should assist Myanmar in its journey towards democracy.
“I think we have seen ample evidence that there is intense dedication for increasing democratization in that country. Now there is an opening given by the rulers of Myanmar. There will be changes,” the President stressed when asked by reporters on the Myanmar issue.
The President likened the current changes in Myanmar, particularly its recent by-election, to the transformation in the former Eastern Bloc when it opted to return to democracy a few decades ago.
“So that tells us that we should be helping them, share our experiences, share our resources, share our knowledge, ease their transition into democracy and make that democracy work for them also so that it takes root, and again, it seems it becomes more inclusive then there’s more stability to the benefit of all,” he said.
There should be tangible reward so that they (Myanmar) continue on that route, the President said, adding that he has personally congratulated President Thein Sein on the conduct of the by-elections.
“We’d want to encourage them, they promote their stability and improve their whole region’s stability and it replaces the basis for the improvement of living standards at least in the entire region. We can all concentrate on trade because it becomes an inclusive process which is one of our advocacies.”
The leaders of the Asean meeting in the 20th Asean Summit here agreed to come up with a common position asking the international community to lift all the sanctions imposed on Myanmar following its historic parliamentary by-vote.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, the chairman of the 20th Asean Summit, said during the Plenary Session Tuesday that many Asean leaders agreed to support a group position calling for the removal of sanctions imposed on Myanmar by the international community.
The ASEAN leaders meeting in Cambodia for a two-day summit welcomed Myanmar’s orderly elections that appeared to give opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi her first seat in parliament.
To show its willingness to reintegrate with the global community, Myanmar’s leaders freed hundreds of political prisoners, welcomed the opposition back to the political fold and eased media restrictions. As a reward, Asean members promised Myanmar in November to become the bloc’s chairman in 2014. (PCOO)
.
Aquino insists on multilateral approach in resolving West Philippine issue
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: President Benigno S. Aquino III insisted on Tuesday that the West Philippine Sea issue must be resolved multilaterally due to its multilateral nature.
“There cannot be a bilateral solution to a multilateral problem,” the President said during an interview by members of the Philippine media at the Sofitel Hotel here.
According to the President the issue must be addressed based on international laws particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or the UNCLOS.
Given the fact that all the claimant countries are all signatories to UNCLOS, each of them is imbued with a certain set of rights.
He said he doesn’t want to inflame the issue, but the Philippines must assert its rights when a foreign country infringes into its territory disregarding boundaries set by international guidelines.
There is also a need to settle sovereignty issues in the West Philippine Sea before every claimant country offers service contracts to energy companies interested in exploring the area.
“If you don’t settle the sovereignty issue it becomes more of a mess. How does one access the resources? Whose laws apply? What are the dispute resolving mechanisms if you don’t settle the sovereignty issue first? Who gets the royalties? Who is responsible for the environment etc...etc? So that has to be spelled out,” he stressed
“We’d want to be as reasonable as possible but we cannot accede to something that says… be reasonable by giving up everything that’s yours. Giving up everything that’s ours... I think that’s wrong and I am not empowered to do that," the President said.
On Tuesday, President Aquino reiterated the Philippine government’s position on the drafting of the Code of Conduct of Parties in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) saying that the claimant countries within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must first agree among themselves before conducting a dialogue with China.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto del Rosario also issued this week a statement during the Asean Foreign Ministers Meeting here in Cambodia regarding the country’s position on the Spratly issue. He said the West Philippine Sea issue should be resolved peacefully in accordance with the international law.
The Code of Conduct must contain guidelines to be followed by stakeholder-states that are in accordance with international law including the UNCLOS.
In the previous Asean summit, President Aquino proposed the creation of a Zone of Peace, Freedom, Friendship and Cooperation (ZoPFFC) in the West Philippine Sea.
President Aquino will fly back to Manila Wednesday evening. (PCOO)
.
Aquino says government looking at long-term solutions to country's energy problem
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: The government is working to address the power shortages in Mindanao and will carry out plans to solve the problem in the long term, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Tuesday.
In an interview with members of the Philippine press at the Sofitel Hotel here, the Chief Executive said that his administration inherited severe power problems in Mindanao after years of neglect by the previous administrations.
This time, however, the President said, he wants to remedy the problem so that future administrations do not encounter similar concerns.
“I’m going there (Mindanao) Monday and then we’ll thresh it all out,” the President said when asked about government actions on Mindanao power shortages.
Prior to his attendance at the 20th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit, the President said two power barges are on standby and awaiting arrangements to supply Mindanao’s energy needs. The government is also working to ensure that enough electricity is available in Mindanao next year.
“What we’re going to do is we’re rehabilitating Agos 6, units one and two; it will take 30 months to replace the necessary components, turbine, more efficient turbin. “It will expand the lifespan of that facility by 30 years. It will produce another 19 megawatts," he explained.
The government is also looking at building coal-powered plants as well as tapping solar energy to address the country’s energy needs, the Chief Executive said. (PCOO)
.
Aquino issues EO No. 69 strengthening the Presidential Commission for Urban Poor
President Benigno S. Aquino III has issued Executive Order No. 69 further strengthening the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP).
The PCUP is the government agency tasked to coordinate the speedy implementation of government policies and programs for the urban poor.
In a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said EO No. 69, which the President signed last March 29, boosts the mandate of the PCUP “to achieve the strict observance of the law and the Ten-Point Covenant of the President with the urban poor."
Under the EO, the PCUP, which was formerly detailed under the Department of Agrarian Reform, will now operate under the Office of the President.
It is tasked to undertake social preparation activities related to asset reform, human development and basic social services, employment and livelihood and other programs of the government for the urban poor.
The PCUP is further mandated to represent the urban poor in the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), Key Shelter Agencies (KSAs) and in Local Housing Board meetings.
It also joins the HUDCC, Departments of Social Welfare and Development, Justice and Interior and Local Government and the National Anti-Poverty Commission in formulating necessary operational mechanisms and guidelines to ensure strict compliance of the Urban Development and Housing Act (RA 7279).
Valte said that in order to monitor the status of compliance with the provisions of EO No. 69, the PCUP is tasked to submit quarterly reports to the President. (PCOO)
.
Government to ask outside help to prepare for North Korea missile launch
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: The Philippine government will coordinate with American and Japanese experts with regards the impending missile launch by North Korea in mid-April to avoid damages and casualties.
“We will ask for everybody who has knowledge about it. So, initially, the Americans, baka the Japanese also… we’ll also talk to them,” the President told the members of the Philippine media during a coffee meeting at the Sofitel Hotel here on Tuesday evening.
The President was responding to questions whether the government needed outside help in assessing the danger posed by North Korea’s planned rocket launch to effectively prepare for it.
“Yung radars natin have a very low, small window of areas that they can survey. We will ask those that have more extensive surveillance capabilities to be able to give us more warning time in case it really poses a danger to any of our population,” he said.
As an initial response, however, the President noted that concerned government agencies are now doing assessments, particularly the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) so that the country could prepare for it.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development is also preparing should the missile launch pushes through and affects the country, the President said.
But President Aquino appealed to the press not to hype the issue because it may needlessly cause panic.
“We are preparing for any eventuality. Kaya pakiusap ko naman sa inyo, huwag n’yo naman isusulat na the ‘Earth is falling tomorrow.’ Huwag naman ganoon. May mamasaktan pa rin ‘pag ganoong nagpa-panic,” he said.
“We have to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Kesa naman prepare for the best, and be totally unprepared for the worst,” the President stressed.
Despite the pronouncement of North Korea that it will proceed with the launch, the President said he hopes the reclusive nation abandon its missile launch particularly if negotiations involving the US and other nations resume.
Experts say that North Korea’s multi-stage rocket may hover near the coast of Aurora province. The President said he’s concerned about the missile flying over more populous provinces such as Isabela and Nueva Ecija which may require extensive government response should debris fall on those areas.
Japan and South Korea have said they would shoot down North Korea’s rocket if it enters their respective air spaces.
Last month, President Aquino appealed to the North Korean government to call off its planned missile launch, saying it posed serious risks to the lives of the people as well as regional stability, peace and prosperity. He said the missile launch was a needless provocation.
Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), who are in their last day of the summit here will tackle the North Korea missile launch issue. (PCOO)
.
Philippines spearheads regional dialogue to resolve West Philippine Sea dispute
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: President Benigno S. Aquino III reiterated Wednesday the proposal for Philippines to host a meeting among claimant states in the West Philippine Sea including China to arrive at a peaceful and diplomatic resolution on the disputed territory.
The dialogue among claimant countries will be under the auspices of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), according to the President.
“I would like to reiterate, however, our earlier proposal for the Philippines to host a meeting among claimant states, including China, under the guidance of ASEAN, in the hope that this will constitute an important step in the peaceful and diplomatic resolution of the disputes in the West Philippine Sea,” he said in a speech delivered during the Retreat Session of the 20th Asean Summit at the Peace Palace here in Cambodia’s capital.
Also, the President said the Philippines believes there would be a peaceful resolution of the dispute through a rules-based approach under dispute-settlement mechanisms of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
And as the regional grouping commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) this year, the chief executive welcomed the move of Asean to identify the elements of a regional Code of Conduct as a legally-binding instrument.
“We believe that the Code of Conduct must be a real ‘move forward’ in terms of substance, that it should contain not only provisions on cooperative activities but, more importantly, provisions on dispute settlement and the clarification and segregation of disputed and non-disputed areas,” he said.
Member states should arrive at a common and collective position on the said code before conducting a dialogue with China to create a legally-binding guideline in the West Philippine Sea, he said noting the importance of the Asean centrality in dealing with the issue.
Asean leaders met at the summit retreat Wednesday morning. President Aquino is scheduled to go back to Manila Wednesday evening after attending the two-day meeting with Asean leaders. (PCOO)
.
Aquino: Nations must unify to persuade NoKor to cancel planned rocket launch
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: Members of the international community must work together to persuade North Korea abandon its planned missile launch this mid-April because of the risks it poses to the Asian region, President Benigno S. Aquino III told fellow leaders during the Retreat Session of the 20th Asean Summit here in Phnom Penh.
President Aquino said North Korea’s planned rocket launch violates United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1718 and 1874, and presents risks to countries in its flight path including the Philippines.
“It increases tensions, particularly in the period of uncertainty leading up to the launch-where no one is sure of the trajectory of the missile. In particular, debris from the launch may potentially land in our territory. This is a needless provocation not only in the Korean peninsula, but in our entire region,” President Aquino told his Asean counterparts.
The situation in the Korean Peninsula has far-reaching implications on regional stability, and it may affect the developments of Asia-Pacific countries.
“Stability, peace and prosperity in our region require all of us to continue to engage with each other, and the larger international community in ways that build confidence,” he said.
“The way forward is for the North Korea to abandon the launch and return to actions that promote confidence-building among its neighbors. We hope for the early resumption of the Six-Party Talks and for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to eventually undertake complete, irreversible and verifiable denuclearization,” the President added.
In an interview with reporters Tuesday evening at Sofitel Hotel here, the President said he instructed concerned government agencies to do the necessary assessments so that the government could effectively respond should North Korea proceed with the reported planned missile launch. (PCOO)
.
Asean leaders meet Civil Society Organization representatives
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: President Benigno S. Aquino III joined other leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in meeting the representatives of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from the Asean Member-States at the Peace Palace, here in Phnom Penh on Tuesday.
During the Meeting, the CSOs representatives presented their collective statement under the theme “We the People of Asean Joining Hands Together for an Asean Community” with their recommendations to the Asean leaders.
The representatives raised the issues of gender and development, labor, migrant workers and decent work, disability and development, ethnic and minority groups, democracy, and human rights, good governance, and natural resources.
The discussion with Asean leaders also included environment and climate change, livelihood improvement and food security, ICT, mass media, financial and banking infrastructure development, CSOs-state partnership, peace and security.
The Asean leaders have agreed to convene an annual meeting with CSOs Representatives since 2005, which started in Malaysia. (PCOO)
.
Asean members spelled out commitments to realize an integrated Asean region
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: The leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) gathering for the 20th Asean Summit here in Phnom Penh made several commitments for the realization of a progressive and unified Asean community by 2015 and beyond.
In a statement released by Prime Minister Hun Sen, the current Asean summit chairman, he said Asean leaders vowed to maintain the momentum of the bloc’s progress, continue community building, deepen regional integration and pursue Asean connectivity.
The leaders also vowed to work with external partners in developing the region, ensuring greater cooperation to address peace-building through Asean defense ministers’ meeting, and fighting nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.
At the same time, Asean-member countries pledged to strengthen cooperation among themselves in times of natural disasters, ensuring food security, fighting terrorism, transnational crimes, and human and drug trafficking.
They also want greater promotion of democracy and good governance as well as strict adherence to the rule of law and the protection of human right and social justice.
The Asean is also looking forward for the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the pact when Asean leaders meet their Chinese counterpart in the Asean-China Summit in November, also here in Phnom Penh.
The Asean leaders also made a commitment to work closely with the Plus Three countries in undertaking productive activities to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Asean-Plus Three cooperation, and with the US and Canada marking the 35th anniversary of the Asean-Canada and Asean-US Dialogue Relations, respectively.
Aside from cooperating with other countries, the regional grouping looks forward to convening the Asean-China Commemorative Summit in India in December 2012. The meeting is in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Asean-India Dialogue Relations.
“As the chair of the Asean in 2012, Cambodia will work to ensure the successful achievement of the strategic thrusts provided for in the roadmap, especially to gear up its efforts to realize regional integration and thus contribute to the realization of the Asean Community by 2015, a community of prosperity and development with the theme: “Asean: One Community, One Destiny,” Prime Minister Hun Sen said in the statement.
President Benigno S. Aquino III joined fellow Asean leaders for a two-day gathering here for the 20th Asean Summit and the Asean’s 45th anniversary celebration.
The President is scheduled to go back to Manila Wednesday evening. (PCOO)
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: President Benigno S. Aquino III said he’s convinced that Myanmar is serious in its march towards democracy as manifested by the recent actions of its leadership.
Interviewed by the Philippine media at the Sofitel hotel here on Tuesday evening, the President said Myanmar should be rewarded for its actions and that the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) should assist Myanmar in its journey towards democracy.
“I think we have seen ample evidence that there is intense dedication for increasing democratization in that country. Now there is an opening given by the rulers of Myanmar. There will be changes,” the President stressed when asked by reporters on the Myanmar issue.
The President likened the current changes in Myanmar, particularly its recent by-election, to the transformation in the former Eastern Bloc when it opted to return to democracy a few decades ago.
“So that tells us that we should be helping them, share our experiences, share our resources, share our knowledge, ease their transition into democracy and make that democracy work for them also so that it takes root, and again, it seems it becomes more inclusive then there’s more stability to the benefit of all,” he said.
There should be tangible reward so that they (Myanmar) continue on that route, the President said, adding that he has personally congratulated President Thein Sein on the conduct of the by-elections.
“We’d want to encourage them, they promote their stability and improve their whole region’s stability and it replaces the basis for the improvement of living standards at least in the entire region. We can all concentrate on trade because it becomes an inclusive process which is one of our advocacies.”
The leaders of the Asean meeting in the 20th Asean Summit here agreed to come up with a common position asking the international community to lift all the sanctions imposed on Myanmar following its historic parliamentary by-vote.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, the chairman of the 20th Asean Summit, said during the Plenary Session Tuesday that many Asean leaders agreed to support a group position calling for the removal of sanctions imposed on Myanmar by the international community.
The ASEAN leaders meeting in Cambodia for a two-day summit welcomed Myanmar’s orderly elections that appeared to give opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi her first seat in parliament.
To show its willingness to reintegrate with the global community, Myanmar’s leaders freed hundreds of political prisoners, welcomed the opposition back to the political fold and eased media restrictions. As a reward, Asean members promised Myanmar in November to become the bloc’s chairman in 2014. (PCOO)
.
Aquino insists on multilateral approach in resolving West Philippine issue
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: President Benigno S. Aquino III insisted on Tuesday that the West Philippine Sea issue must be resolved multilaterally due to its multilateral nature.
“There cannot be a bilateral solution to a multilateral problem,” the President said during an interview by members of the Philippine media at the Sofitel Hotel here.
According to the President the issue must be addressed based on international laws particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or the UNCLOS.
Given the fact that all the claimant countries are all signatories to UNCLOS, each of them is imbued with a certain set of rights.
He said he doesn’t want to inflame the issue, but the Philippines must assert its rights when a foreign country infringes into its territory disregarding boundaries set by international guidelines.
There is also a need to settle sovereignty issues in the West Philippine Sea before every claimant country offers service contracts to energy companies interested in exploring the area.
“If you don’t settle the sovereignty issue it becomes more of a mess. How does one access the resources? Whose laws apply? What are the dispute resolving mechanisms if you don’t settle the sovereignty issue first? Who gets the royalties? Who is responsible for the environment etc...etc? So that has to be spelled out,” he stressed
“We’d want to be as reasonable as possible but we cannot accede to something that says… be reasonable by giving up everything that’s yours. Giving up everything that’s ours... I think that’s wrong and I am not empowered to do that," the President said.
On Tuesday, President Aquino reiterated the Philippine government’s position on the drafting of the Code of Conduct of Parties in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) saying that the claimant countries within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must first agree among themselves before conducting a dialogue with China.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto del Rosario also issued this week a statement during the Asean Foreign Ministers Meeting here in Cambodia regarding the country’s position on the Spratly issue. He said the West Philippine Sea issue should be resolved peacefully in accordance with the international law.
The Code of Conduct must contain guidelines to be followed by stakeholder-states that are in accordance with international law including the UNCLOS.
In the previous Asean summit, President Aquino proposed the creation of a Zone of Peace, Freedom, Friendship and Cooperation (ZoPFFC) in the West Philippine Sea.
President Aquino will fly back to Manila Wednesday evening. (PCOO)
.
Aquino says government looking at long-term solutions to country's energy problem
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: The government is working to address the power shortages in Mindanao and will carry out plans to solve the problem in the long term, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Tuesday.
In an interview with members of the Philippine press at the Sofitel Hotel here, the Chief Executive said that his administration inherited severe power problems in Mindanao after years of neglect by the previous administrations.
This time, however, the President said, he wants to remedy the problem so that future administrations do not encounter similar concerns.
“I’m going there (Mindanao) Monday and then we’ll thresh it all out,” the President said when asked about government actions on Mindanao power shortages.
Prior to his attendance at the 20th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit, the President said two power barges are on standby and awaiting arrangements to supply Mindanao’s energy needs. The government is also working to ensure that enough electricity is available in Mindanao next year.
“What we’re going to do is we’re rehabilitating Agos 6, units one and two; it will take 30 months to replace the necessary components, turbine, more efficient turbin. “It will expand the lifespan of that facility by 30 years. It will produce another 19 megawatts," he explained.
The government is also looking at building coal-powered plants as well as tapping solar energy to address the country’s energy needs, the Chief Executive said. (PCOO)
.
Aquino issues EO No. 69 strengthening the Presidential Commission for Urban Poor
President Benigno S. Aquino III has issued Executive Order No. 69 further strengthening the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP).
The PCUP is the government agency tasked to coordinate the speedy implementation of government policies and programs for the urban poor.
In a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said EO No. 69, which the President signed last March 29, boosts the mandate of the PCUP “to achieve the strict observance of the law and the Ten-Point Covenant of the President with the urban poor."
Under the EO, the PCUP, which was formerly detailed under the Department of Agrarian Reform, will now operate under the Office of the President.
It is tasked to undertake social preparation activities related to asset reform, human development and basic social services, employment and livelihood and other programs of the government for the urban poor.
The PCUP is further mandated to represent the urban poor in the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), Key Shelter Agencies (KSAs) and in Local Housing Board meetings.
It also joins the HUDCC, Departments of Social Welfare and Development, Justice and Interior and Local Government and the National Anti-Poverty Commission in formulating necessary operational mechanisms and guidelines to ensure strict compliance of the Urban Development and Housing Act (RA 7279).
Valte said that in order to monitor the status of compliance with the provisions of EO No. 69, the PCUP is tasked to submit quarterly reports to the President. (PCOO)
.
Government to ask outside help to prepare for North Korea missile launch
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: The Philippine government will coordinate with American and Japanese experts with regards the impending missile launch by North Korea in mid-April to avoid damages and casualties.
“We will ask for everybody who has knowledge about it. So, initially, the Americans, baka the Japanese also… we’ll also talk to them,” the President told the members of the Philippine media during a coffee meeting at the Sofitel Hotel here on Tuesday evening.
The President was responding to questions whether the government needed outside help in assessing the danger posed by North Korea’s planned rocket launch to effectively prepare for it.
“Yung radars natin have a very low, small window of areas that they can survey. We will ask those that have more extensive surveillance capabilities to be able to give us more warning time in case it really poses a danger to any of our population,” he said.
As an initial response, however, the President noted that concerned government agencies are now doing assessments, particularly the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) so that the country could prepare for it.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development is also preparing should the missile launch pushes through and affects the country, the President said.
But President Aquino appealed to the press not to hype the issue because it may needlessly cause panic.
“We are preparing for any eventuality. Kaya pakiusap ko naman sa inyo, huwag n’yo naman isusulat na the ‘Earth is falling tomorrow.’ Huwag naman ganoon. May mamasaktan pa rin ‘pag ganoong nagpa-panic,” he said.
“We have to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Kesa naman prepare for the best, and be totally unprepared for the worst,” the President stressed.
Despite the pronouncement of North Korea that it will proceed with the launch, the President said he hopes the reclusive nation abandon its missile launch particularly if negotiations involving the US and other nations resume.
Experts say that North Korea’s multi-stage rocket may hover near the coast of Aurora province. The President said he’s concerned about the missile flying over more populous provinces such as Isabela and Nueva Ecija which may require extensive government response should debris fall on those areas.
Japan and South Korea have said they would shoot down North Korea’s rocket if it enters their respective air spaces.
Last month, President Aquino appealed to the North Korean government to call off its planned missile launch, saying it posed serious risks to the lives of the people as well as regional stability, peace and prosperity. He said the missile launch was a needless provocation.
Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), who are in their last day of the summit here will tackle the North Korea missile launch issue. (PCOO)
.
Philippines spearheads regional dialogue to resolve West Philippine Sea dispute
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: President Benigno S. Aquino III reiterated Wednesday the proposal for Philippines to host a meeting among claimant states in the West Philippine Sea including China to arrive at a peaceful and diplomatic resolution on the disputed territory.
The dialogue among claimant countries will be under the auspices of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), according to the President.
“I would like to reiterate, however, our earlier proposal for the Philippines to host a meeting among claimant states, including China, under the guidance of ASEAN, in the hope that this will constitute an important step in the peaceful and diplomatic resolution of the disputes in the West Philippine Sea,” he said in a speech delivered during the Retreat Session of the 20th Asean Summit at the Peace Palace here in Cambodia’s capital.
Also, the President said the Philippines believes there would be a peaceful resolution of the dispute through a rules-based approach under dispute-settlement mechanisms of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
And as the regional grouping commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) this year, the chief executive welcomed the move of Asean to identify the elements of a regional Code of Conduct as a legally-binding instrument.
“We believe that the Code of Conduct must be a real ‘move forward’ in terms of substance, that it should contain not only provisions on cooperative activities but, more importantly, provisions on dispute settlement and the clarification and segregation of disputed and non-disputed areas,” he said.
Member states should arrive at a common and collective position on the said code before conducting a dialogue with China to create a legally-binding guideline in the West Philippine Sea, he said noting the importance of the Asean centrality in dealing with the issue.
Asean leaders met at the summit retreat Wednesday morning. President Aquino is scheduled to go back to Manila Wednesday evening after attending the two-day meeting with Asean leaders. (PCOO)
.
Aquino: Nations must unify to persuade NoKor to cancel planned rocket launch
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: Members of the international community must work together to persuade North Korea abandon its planned missile launch this mid-April because of the risks it poses to the Asian region, President Benigno S. Aquino III told fellow leaders during the Retreat Session of the 20th Asean Summit here in Phnom Penh.
President Aquino said North Korea’s planned rocket launch violates United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1718 and 1874, and presents risks to countries in its flight path including the Philippines.
“It increases tensions, particularly in the period of uncertainty leading up to the launch-where no one is sure of the trajectory of the missile. In particular, debris from the launch may potentially land in our territory. This is a needless provocation not only in the Korean peninsula, but in our entire region,” President Aquino told his Asean counterparts.
The situation in the Korean Peninsula has far-reaching implications on regional stability, and it may affect the developments of Asia-Pacific countries.
“Stability, peace and prosperity in our region require all of us to continue to engage with each other, and the larger international community in ways that build confidence,” he said.
“The way forward is for the North Korea to abandon the launch and return to actions that promote confidence-building among its neighbors. We hope for the early resumption of the Six-Party Talks and for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to eventually undertake complete, irreversible and verifiable denuclearization,” the President added.
In an interview with reporters Tuesday evening at Sofitel Hotel here, the President said he instructed concerned government agencies to do the necessary assessments so that the government could effectively respond should North Korea proceed with the reported planned missile launch. (PCOO)
.
Asean leaders meet Civil Society Organization representatives
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: President Benigno S. Aquino III joined other leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in meeting the representatives of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from the Asean Member-States at the Peace Palace, here in Phnom Penh on Tuesday.
During the Meeting, the CSOs representatives presented their collective statement under the theme “We the People of Asean Joining Hands Together for an Asean Community” with their recommendations to the Asean leaders.
The representatives raised the issues of gender and development, labor, migrant workers and decent work, disability and development, ethnic and minority groups, democracy, and human rights, good governance, and natural resources.
The discussion with Asean leaders also included environment and climate change, livelihood improvement and food security, ICT, mass media, financial and banking infrastructure development, CSOs-state partnership, peace and security.
The Asean leaders have agreed to convene an annual meeting with CSOs Representatives since 2005, which started in Malaysia. (PCOO)
.
Asean members spelled out commitments to realize an integrated Asean region
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: The leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) gathering for the 20th Asean Summit here in Phnom Penh made several commitments for the realization of a progressive and unified Asean community by 2015 and beyond.
In a statement released by Prime Minister Hun Sen, the current Asean summit chairman, he said Asean leaders vowed to maintain the momentum of the bloc’s progress, continue community building, deepen regional integration and pursue Asean connectivity.
The leaders also vowed to work with external partners in developing the region, ensuring greater cooperation to address peace-building through Asean defense ministers’ meeting, and fighting nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.
At the same time, Asean-member countries pledged to strengthen cooperation among themselves in times of natural disasters, ensuring food security, fighting terrorism, transnational crimes, and human and drug trafficking.
They also want greater promotion of democracy and good governance as well as strict adherence to the rule of law and the protection of human right and social justice.
The Asean is also looking forward for the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the pact when Asean leaders meet their Chinese counterpart in the Asean-China Summit in November, also here in Phnom Penh.
The Asean leaders also made a commitment to work closely with the Plus Three countries in undertaking productive activities to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Asean-Plus Three cooperation, and with the US and Canada marking the 35th anniversary of the Asean-Canada and Asean-US Dialogue Relations, respectively.
Aside from cooperating with other countries, the regional grouping looks forward to convening the Asean-China Commemorative Summit in India in December 2012. The meeting is in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Asean-India Dialogue Relations.
“As the chair of the Asean in 2012, Cambodia will work to ensure the successful achievement of the strategic thrusts provided for in the roadmap, especially to gear up its efforts to realize regional integration and thus contribute to the realization of the Asean Community by 2015, a community of prosperity and development with the theme: “Asean: One Community, One Destiny,” Prime Minister Hun Sen said in the statement.
President Benigno S. Aquino III joined fellow Asean leaders for a two-day gathering here for the 20th Asean Summit and the Asean’s 45th anniversary celebration.
The President is scheduled to go back to Manila Wednesday evening. (PCOO)
