ID :
71053
Sun, 07/19/2009 - 19:17
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/71053
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ASEAN to confer on human rights, economic cooperation, virus
BANGKOK, July 19 (TNA) - Urging Thais to be good hosts to the ongoing meetings of the foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) being held in the southern resort of Phuket, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Sunday several issues --including a plan to set up a regional human rights body, a mechanism to end disputes, economic cooperation and the H1N1 virus will be raised at meetings.
Mr. Abhisit said during his weekly TV and radio address that the meetings are being held for the first time after the declaration of the ASEAN Charter with the issues being brought up for discussion.
Foreign ministers of the 10-member ASEAN regional pact are to confer Sunday evening on the plan to set up a human rights body amid criticisms by human rights activists that the draft terms of reference are still weak.
Regarding a plan to confer with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings, Mr. Abhisit said discussions would focus on relations between the two countries and Washington’s role in this region.
The US has placed more importance towards this region, he said, adding that he would extend an invitation to US President Barack Obama to visit Thailand via Mrs. Clinton, now visiting India.
Phuket is hosting the 42nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM), the Post Ministerial Conferences (PMC) and the 16th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) which began Friday (July 17) and will end Thursday this week.
Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya told journalists in Phuket that ASEAN foreign ministers are expected to informally discuss the status of Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi during dinner Sunday.
Normally, sensitive issues prevailing in ASEAN members will be discussed on the sidelines of the meeting, said Mr. Kasit.
On plans by Myanmar government to release political prisoners, he said the issue had been discussed before at several levels of ASEAN meetings and considerable progress was seen following a recent meetings between United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Myanmar government leaders in that country.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s police chief Pol. Gen. Patcharawat Wongsuwan said while inspecting police security measures in Phuket that so far there were no signs of untoward incidents in the island province.
Gen. Patcharawat said heavier security measures will be provided during Mrs. Clinton’s stay in Phuket. (TNA)
Mr. Abhisit said during his weekly TV and radio address that the meetings are being held for the first time after the declaration of the ASEAN Charter with the issues being brought up for discussion.
Foreign ministers of the 10-member ASEAN regional pact are to confer Sunday evening on the plan to set up a human rights body amid criticisms by human rights activists that the draft terms of reference are still weak.
Regarding a plan to confer with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings, Mr. Abhisit said discussions would focus on relations between the two countries and Washington’s role in this region.
The US has placed more importance towards this region, he said, adding that he would extend an invitation to US President Barack Obama to visit Thailand via Mrs. Clinton, now visiting India.
Phuket is hosting the 42nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM), the Post Ministerial Conferences (PMC) and the 16th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) which began Friday (July 17) and will end Thursday this week.
Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya told journalists in Phuket that ASEAN foreign ministers are expected to informally discuss the status of Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi during dinner Sunday.
Normally, sensitive issues prevailing in ASEAN members will be discussed on the sidelines of the meeting, said Mr. Kasit.
On plans by Myanmar government to release political prisoners, he said the issue had been discussed before at several levels of ASEAN meetings and considerable progress was seen following a recent meetings between United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Myanmar government leaders in that country.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s police chief Pol. Gen. Patcharawat Wongsuwan said while inspecting police security measures in Phuket that so far there were no signs of untoward incidents in the island province.
Gen. Patcharawat said heavier security measures will be provided during Mrs. Clinton’s stay in Phuket. (TNA)
