ROMULO:  CONCERTED ACTION KEY TO SAFEGUARDING ASEAN NATIONALS IN CONFLICT SITUATIONS 

25 July 2006, Kuala Lumpur—Emphasizing the need to provide timely assistance to Southeast Asian nationals, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo cited concerted regional action as vital in ensuring the continued safety of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) nationals in conflict situations overseas. 

“Working together, ASEAN can best optimize and mobilize resources to ensure that timely and adequate assistance can be extended to our brothers and sisters who are caught in crisis situations overseas,” Romulo said. 

In a statement issued at the 39^th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) hosted by Malaysia here, ASEAN expressed “deep concern on the difficulties faced by our nationals in third countries who are caught in conflict or crisis situations.”   

Romulo pointed out, “Concerted action would allow for timely assistance to be extended to distressed ASEAN nationals whose Governments do not have diplomatic representation in key countries where, in view of worsening security conditions, urgent help is needed.” 

Romulo lauded the decision of the 10-member association to “undertake efforts to increase cooperation among ASEAN Missions in third countries.” 

“This is indeed a significant step and demonstrates the strong fraternal bond between and among the members of ASEAN,” said Romulo. 

“Time and again we have come to aid of our brothers and sisters in need and during these times, any and all help that can be extended should be given and maximized,” Romulo stressed. 

ASEAN’s statement is seen to bolster coordinated efforts to help Southeast Asian nationals facing relocation or evacuation in the Middle East due to increasing tensions. 

Southeast Asian nations have a significant number of nationals employed in the Middle East.  The Philippines has an estimated 30,000 nationals in Lebanon.   

Last week, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo  ordered the Philippine Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon to assist Thai nationals within its jurisdiction.  Thailand does not have a resident Embassy in Lebanon. 

Indonesia meantime also announced it was providing consular assistance to Filipino nationals evacuated from Beirut to Damascus, Syria where Indonesia has an Embassy.  The Philippines does not have a resident Embassy in Syria. END

/jay

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