Archive for November 18th, 2007
Leaked document of ASEAN charter
Stamped “Confidential” and “Final draft adopted by the HLTF (high level task force), 8.15pm, 20 October 2007“, the 31-page document was found uploaded on at least one Thai news website. The leaked document is 31-pages long and contains a total of 13 chapters and 55 articles.
Excerpt from the article Purported final draft surfaces, with some surprises
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Ministers and officials from across the region held meetings under tight security ahead of Tuesday’s formal summit, at which leaders are to sign a landmark charter and a blueprint for the creation of a free trade zone by 2015.
But Myanmar has grabbed the international spotlight and many analysts say the charter — meant to promote human rights and democracy — is meaningless if Myanmar cannot be held accountable for its alleged widespread abuses.
“If the charter is signed, what happens after that? Will they continue to string us along as they have done in the past 10 years?” Philippines Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo told reporters Sunday upon his arrival in Singapore.
“That charter is good, but once you sign it, you must implement what is there.”
Excerpt from the article Myanmar tops agenda as ASEAN meets
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The signing of the Asean Charter is one of the highlights of the 13th Asean Summit.
The High Level Task Force (HLTF) that drafted the Charter will present today the final draft to the foreign ministers for possible changes before the ministers submit the Charter to the leaders for signing.
The ASEAN Charter, which contains 13 chapters, will give legal personality to the regional bloc, provide the constitutional framework for ASEAN member states to work together in a rules-based environment where decisions are legally binding and will build the foundation of members to further develop the Asean Community beyond 2015.
Excerpt from the article Asean to reject proposed HR court
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A draft copy of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation’s much awaited charter has been leaked to the media, just days before member organizations are to sign the document at a summit in Singapore. As Naomi Martig reports from VOA’s Asia News Center in Hong Kong, the charter establishes councils to handle political, economic and social issues within the region, and sets other specific criteria on how it will function.
Excerpt from the article Draft Copy of Much-Awaited ASEAN Charter Leaked to Media
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The leaked document of the ASEAN Charter can be available upon request.
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Junta affirms to push ahead from the third step to seventh step of its roadmap
Junta affirms to push ahead from the third step to seventh step of its roadmap
17.11.2007: Burma military junta supremo Senior General Than Shwe, while addressing the fourth day meeting of the annual conference of pro-junta militant semi-political organization “Kyant Phunt”, confirmed junta’s current position as being on the third stage of the seven-stepped roadmap plan for their visionary pro-military disciplined and controlled democracy in Burma. He affirmed that the junta will pushed ahead, at any expense and by any means, towards their aim, despite intense international criticism of their roadmap being a fake and a sham. Than Shwe also asked his lackey “Kyant Phunt” delegates to help him in marching along their roadmap seven steps.
(Below, excerpt from Than Shwe’s speech in Burmese)
Source: Burma Digest
World Focus on Burma (18-11-2007)
- EU envoy on Myanmar backs UN action
AFP -
UNITED NATIONS (AFP) — European Union special envoy for Myanmar Piero Fassino expressed support Saturday for UN efforts to promote national reconciliation - EDITORIAL: Chartering the future
New Straits Times, Malaysia -
Then a couple of crises arrived — the 1997 Asian financial meltdown and now Myanmar — to demonstrate how feeble Asean really was. Over the last few years, … - Myanmar issue looms as Clark heads to summit
New Zealand Herald, New Zealand -
By Grant Fleming SINGAPORE – Myanmar, climate change and trade are likely to dominate discussions at this week’s East Asia Summit, Prime Minister Helen … - Myanmar crisis to dominate ASEAN summit, but free trade, climate …
International Herald Tribune, France -
“If she does not act as an equal … the military will still control thought and action in Burma,” he said, referring to the country by its old name. … - Anderson Cooper shares experience, knowledge
Claremont Courier, CA -
He first visited Burma, also known as Myanmar, to cover the national revolution that began in the late 1980s demanding democracy in the repressive state. … - Charter Reaffirms Consensus, Non-interference In Domestic Affairs
Bernama, Malaysia -
But the 31-page Charter made no mention of such actions to the dismay of human rights watch groups who now want Asean to prevent one of its members, Myanmar … - Basic facts about ASEAN
Xinhua, China -
Brunei joined the group in January 1984, followed by Vietnam in 1995, Laos and Myanmar in 1997 and Cambodia in 1999. The region has a combined population of … - ASEAN Leaders Arrive in Singapore For Annual Meeting Amid Tight …
Voice of America -
This is especially significant in deterring rallies against ASEAN member, Burma. There have been worldwide protests against the Burmese military crackdown … - ASEAN leaders to confront Myanmar
AFP -
Myanmar’s signing of the charter “will at once taint the ASEAN charter with blood,” the Free Burma Coalition group in a letter to the bloc’s leaders. … - Asean leaders ready to sign landmark charter
Bangkok Post, Thailand -
A group calling themselves the “Overseas Burma Patriots” said they want Singapore to give the petition to the council. Public demonstrations against the … - Boycott of rubies from troubled Myanmar could be difficult
Kansas City Star, MO -
“The sale of these gems gives Burma’s military rulers quick cash to stay in power.” Myanmar is also called Burma. But a successful boycott of what activists … - Thousands attend Myanmar gems sale despite outcry: report
AFP -
YANGON (AFP) — About 3500 people from around the world have so far attended a gems auction in Myanmar, state media said Sunday, despite calls for a boycott … - Arroyo to raise Suu Kyi plight with Myanmar premier
Inquirer.net, Philippines -
At the United Nations in New York last September, Arroyo called on Burma “to return to the path of democracy and release Aung San Suu Kyi.” Myanmar has … - Music lessons help ease the transition for ethnic Karen at St …
Pioneer Press, MN -
… is a cultural underpinning for the ethnic Karen (pronounced ka-REN), many of whom fled persecution from military leaders in Burma, now known as Myanmar. … - Reconciliation remains distant hope in Myanmar, despite UN visits
International Herald Tribune, France -
The military has ruled Myanmar, also known as Burma, since 1962, crushing periodic rounds of dissent. It held elections in 1990 but refused to hand over … - ASEAN rejects US Senate call to suspend Myanmar until junta …
International Herald Tribune, France -
Myanmar is also known as Burma. The resolution, introduced by Sen. Barbara Boxer, urged ASEAN to take “substantial steps to ensure peaceful transition to … - Dictators better than disintegration
Bangkok Post, Thailand -
By Girlie Linao, dpa Singapore (dpa) – Despite mounting international pressure for tougher action against errant member Burma, the Association of Southeast … - Asian Leaders Will Avoid Sanctions, Rebuke on Myanmar (Update2)
Bloomberg -
18 (Bloomberg) — Myanmar is unlikely to face a call for sanctions or even a public rebuke over its crackdown on democracy protesters when leaders of 10 … - ASEAN Rejects US Call to Suspend Myanmar
The Associated Press -
Myanmar is also known as Burma. asean’s Senate snub is not unexpected since it has said expelling Myanmar is not an option. Still, Myanmar — under military … - Asean refuses to suspend Myanmar
Aljazeera.net, Qatar -
It asked Asean to consider “appropriate disciplinary measures, including suspension, until such time as the government of Burma [Myanmar] has demonstrated … - Romulo asks: Can Myanmar abide by ASEAN charter?
Inquirer.net, Philippines -
Aside from the US, the Free Burma Coalition also called on the suspension of Burma (Myanmar’s former name) for its failure to implement democratic reforms. … - Gem dealers call for ruby boycott
Chicago Sun-Times, United States -
BY MICK ELMORE BANGKOK, Thailand — The rich red hue of Myanmar’s prized rubies is a reminder to many gem dealers of the military government’s bloody … - The Substation holds “Peace Concert for Burma”
Channel News Asia, Singapore -
… that is called a “Peace Concert for Burma”. It was the arts venue’s way of showing support for the people in Myanmar who want democracy and peace. … - Giving thanks in a time of unease
Bismarck Tribune, USA -
Burma (Myanmar) is coming undone, in spite of the best efforts of one of my heroes, Aung San Suu Kyi, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. I do not believe, .. - Myanmar Crackdown To Dominate ASEAN Summit
AHN -
Singapore (AHN) – An informal dinner Monday will be “the critical meeting” for adopting a common position on Myanmar, Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo … - Asia can do more on climate–activists
Inquirer.net, Philippines -
SINGAPORE — Environmental groups are piling the pressure on Asian nations to do more to fight global warming ahead of a key climate conference next month, … - Asean to reject proposed HR court
Philippine Star, Philippines -
Myanmar , one of the 10 ASEAN member countries, is expected to be on the agenda at the 13th ASEAN Summit held here this week, with focus on the political … - Myanmar tops agenda as ASEAN meets
AFP -
SINGAPORE (AFP) — Southeast Asian leaders gathered Sunday for their annual summit with their bloc’s credibility at stake as they grapple with Myanmar, … - Myanmar casts shadow over summit
New Zealand Herald, New Zealand -
By Grant Fleming Myanmar, climate change and trade are likely to dominate discussions at this week’s East Asia Summit, says Prime Minister Helen Clark. … - Myanmar Sends Mixed Messages on Reform
The Associated Press -
The military has ruled Myanmar, also known as Burma, since 1962, crushing periodic rounds of dissent. It held elections in 1990 but refused to hand over … - Civil Society Groups Calls For Postponement Of ASEAN Charter Signing
AHN -
Previously kept from public view, the draft Charter of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been leaked to the media and is now available …
