In the spirit of ASEAN solidarity and unity, the Philippines understands and fully supports the decision of Myanmar to relinquish its turn to be the Chair of ASEAN in 2006.  Myanmar would want to focus its attention on its ongoing national reconciliation and democratization process and it wants to give its full attention to this process.

The Philippines fully supports all sincere and meaningful efforts at democratic reform in Myanmar.

The Philippine also joined in the consensus in ASEAN that once Myanmar is ready to take its turn to be the ASEAN Chair, it can do so.

The Philippines would like to express its appreciation to Myanmar for not allowing its national preoccupation to affect ASEAN’s solidarity and cohesiveness.  Myanmar’s decision is one that shows its commitment as a nation and as a member of ASEAN to the well-being of ASEAN and the Association’s goal of advancing the interests of all its members.

The Philippines is prepared to assume the chairmanship of ASEAN after the term of Malaysia in 2006.

With the close cooperation of the other ASEAN members, I am confident in the success of our Chairmanship of ASEAN.

We have a good team in the Department of Foreign Affairs, whose members are well versed in the substance and processes of ASEAN.  I am also confident in the support of the other agencies of the Philippine government for our Chairmanship of ASEAN.

We look forward to working with the other members of ASEAN, our dialogue partners and all those involved in the ASEAN process.  In chairing ASEAN at a time when efforts continue to be made to build an ASEAN Community, craft an ASEAN Charter, and securing a central role for ASEAN in the future of regionalization in East Asia, we hope to make our own contribution to the prosperity, stability and security of our region and in advancing the interests of all the members of ASEAN. END
 
 
 /epa