ASEAN can impose sanctions on members that violate charter, Malaysia says
By SEAN YOONG,Associated Press
By SEAN YOONG,Associated Press
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Southeast Asia's main bloc can impose sanctions on members that flout its charter even though there is no formal provision for penalties, Malaysia's leader said Tuesday.
The comment by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi indicated the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is losing patience with Myanmar, one of the 10 members of the bloc, for refusing to restore democracy or improve its human rights record.
ASEAN is hoping to ratify a charter that would include the creation of a regional human rights body by the end of the year. The charter does not mention using sanctions or expulsion in cases of serious breaches by members.
It says, however, any violations would be referred to ASEAN heads of state for a final decision.
ASEAN members will be taking "a pragmatic approach" in tackling potential offenses, Abdullah said.
"The charter does not provide for specific sanctions for charter breaches or noncompliance. But this does not mean that there will be none," Abdullah said at a forum on regional security.
National leaders will decide how to deal with violations "as and when the need arises" at their annual summits, Abdullah said.
ASEAN _ which is noted for deciding issues by consensus and not intervening in members' domestic affairs _ has faced intense pressure from the West in recent years to force Myanmar's military government to move toward democracy.
For the charter to take effect, it must be ratified by parliaments of member countries. Since the charter was adopted in November, six countries have ratified it _ Malaysia, Laos, Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Abdullah urged the remaining members _ the Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand _ to ratify the charter, saying it should not be rejected simply "because we are unhappy with a few provisions or omissions."
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has warned that Filipino legislators could find it difficult to ratify the charter if Myanmar does not restore democracy and free opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
The charter is aimed at turning ASEAN into a rules-based legal entity, which means it can sue and be sued, and will be held accountable for all the treaties and agreements it signs. It will also set up enforceable financial, trade and environmental rules.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Southeast Asia's main bloc can impose sanctions on members that flout its charter even though there is no formal provision for penalties, Malaysia's leader said Tuesday.
The comment by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi indicated the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is losing patience with Myanmar, one of the 10 members of the bloc, for refusing to restore democracy or improve its human rights record.
ASEAN is hoping to ratify a charter that would include the creation of a regional human rights body by the end of the year. The charter does not mention using sanctions or expulsion in cases of serious breaches by members.
It says, however, any violations would be referred to ASEAN heads of state for a final decision.
ASEAN members will be taking "a pragmatic approach" in tackling potential offenses, Abdullah said.
"The charter does not provide for specific sanctions for charter breaches or noncompliance. But this does not mean that there will be none," Abdullah said at a forum on regional security.
National leaders will decide how to deal with violations "as and when the need arises" at their annual summits, Abdullah said.
ASEAN _ which is noted for deciding issues by consensus and not intervening in members' domestic affairs _ has faced intense pressure from the West in recent years to force Myanmar's military government to move toward democracy.
For the charter to take effect, it must be ratified by parliaments of member countries. Since the charter was adopted in November, six countries have ratified it _ Malaysia, Laos, Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Abdullah urged the remaining members _ the Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand _ to ratify the charter, saying it should not be rejected simply "because we are unhappy with a few provisions or omissions."
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has warned that Filipino legislators could find it difficult to ratify the charter if Myanmar does not restore democracy and free opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
The charter is aimed at turning ASEAN into a rules-based legal entity, which means it can sue and be sued, and will be held accountable for all the treaties and agreements it signs. It will also set up enforceable financial, trade and environmental rules.
