SECRETARY ROMULO EXPRESSES ASEAN’S PRIDE IN THE LANDMARK
DECISIONS EXPECTED AT THE 13^TH ASEAN SUMMIT

16 November 2007 – Secretary Alberto G. Romulo expresses ASEAN’s pride in the expected landmark decisions the organization will shortly take as leaders of the ten Southeast Asian countries gather in Singapore for their 13^th Summit.

Secretary Romulo said in an interview with the Channel News Asia today that the ASEAN Charter to be signed in Singapore on November 20, is a crowning achievement for the organization and the peoples of Southeast Asia. 

“The ASEAN Charter lays the foundation for a region that fosters peace under the regime of democracy, good governance and the rule of law, and where human rights and fundamental freedoms are respected and promoted,” Secretary Romulo said.

The spadework done in Cebu during the 12^th ASEAN Summit chaired by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and in Manila at the 40^th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting chaired by Secretary Romulo set the stage for the historic signing of the ASEAN Charter that would transform ASEAN into a rules-based and more effective organization for the promotion of peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia and beyond.  “The creation of an ASEAN human rights body will be among the signal achievements mandated by the Charter,” Secretary Romulo said.

Secretary Romulo expressed optimism that the situation in Myanmar would not derail ASEAN from making that achievement, adding that recent positive developments in the efforts of the United Nations Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari are encouraging.  Nonetheless, Secretary Romulo said that lack of progress in implementing Myanmar’s roadmap to democracy would hurt the credibility not only of Myanmar but of ASEAN also.  Secretary Romulo emphasized that the release of Daw Aung Suu Syi and all political detainees in Myanmar must take place, and the harassment of monks – the most peaceful sector of Myanmar society – must not happen again.

Secretary Romulo said that other landmark documents expected at the Singapore summits include the blueprint for the ASEAN Economic Community and the declarations on environmental sustainability, climate change, and sustainable energy.  These declarations are important advances that build upon the declaration on regional energy security which was signed at the 2^nd East Asia Summit in Cebu.

/Gary