ASIA - ASEAN countries Association of South East Asia Nations sign charter of principles

Singapore (Agenzia Fides) - The economic and political Association of South East Asia Nations ASEAN made progress, approving the first Charter of Principles to inspire future ASEAN activity . The ASEAN nations, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam, approved the Charter at a recent meeting in Singapore. This was an important step to intensify dialogue and trade agreements in the area. The new Charter gives ASEAN an institutional set up with the power to sign international declarations. With this common charter ASEAN countries commit themselves to “strengthening democracy, and promote good administration of public affairs, respect for the law and for human rights and fundamental freedoms”.
Despite criticism from international organisations with regard to the human rights situation in Myanmar, the country is a member of ASEAN, The Association has decided to establish a regional office for Human Rights. Observers say the ASEAN Charter is a step forward and will encourage governments to respect fundamental rights and human dignity and basic rights of the individual.
At the end of the meeting ASEAN countries agreed that to make the Association stronger and more important on the international scene, it would be necessary to “accelerate the process of regional integration. The approval of the Charter of Principles is step in this direction”.
ASEAN was founded in 1967 to promote cooperation and reciprocal assistance among the member countries, to accelerate economic progress and increase stability in the region. The ASEAN nations agreed to meet every year in November. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 27/11/2007 righe 28 parole 284)