Hanoi draws line on ASEAN interference
HANOI- Vietnam said on Friday
any policy of ``flexible engagement'' within ASEAN was
unacceptable but that this would not stop the regional
grouping from dealing with various challenges.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nguyen
Manh Cam said this year's summit of the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations would be a success despite the
economic pain wracking some members. Vietnam will
host the summit of ASEAN leaders in Hanoi from
December 15 to 16.
``Regarding the flexible engagement argument initiated
by Thailand, it's not only my point of view but also the
point of view of other foreign ministers, and we have
agreed that it's unacceptable,'' Cam said in an interview.
Thai Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan said on July 13
that ASEAN should adopt a more flexible policy where
members talked openly about national economic and
political issues affecting the region.
Surin, who has been supported by the Philippines,
added at a two-day ASEAN ministerial meeting in
Manila late in July that the regional body had to deal with
issues such as democracy and human rights in its
engagement with the outside world.
That gathering ended up being overshadowed by what
looked like an unresolved debate over whether ASEAN
should permit more freewheeling dialogue over issues
that go beyond borders.
But Cam's message on flexible engagement was clear.
``It's contrary to the principle of non-interference in each
other's internal affairs,'' he said.
Cam said a consensus was reached at the ASEAN
meeting in Manila to maintain the principle of
non-interference.
But diplomats in Hanoi have said the debate would
probably surface again before the heads-of-state
meeting in Vietnam, especially if events in Myanmar took
a nasty turn or regional economic woes became even
more acute.
Myanmar's ruling military junta has had repeated
stand-offs recently with opposition leader Aung San Suu
Kyi.
Last month the Philippines said it wanted to see the
process of national reconciliation accelerated in
Myanmar, which was accepted into ASEAN last year
despite its pariah status in the West.
ASEAN comprises Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia,
Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and
Vietnam.
Cam said he was optimistic about the December summit.
He said Hanoi had worked out a plan of action for the
meeting, although he gave no precise details.
``The previous summits have taken place in a period of
growth but...in difficult circumstances there are
opportunities,'' Cam said.
``Even though there could be some unpredictable
happenings, we believe this summit will achieve good
results. ASEAN will look toward to the 21st Century
with strong confidence.''
Cam added that Vietnam's own foreign policy into the
next century would focus on peace and development.
``This reflects the desire of our people, a nation which
has suffered from many wars. Our people are very
attached to peace and want to build the country and a
prosperous life,'' he said.
By Dean Yates - REUTERS - August 28, 1998.
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