ĦĦĦĦHANOI, Sept. 11 (Xinhuanet) -- The Association of the Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) is opposed to any unjustified and unprovokedmilitary action against
Iraq, the 23rd General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organization
(AIPO) declared on Wednesday.
ĦĦĦĦThe assembly, which concluded on Wednesday, announced in a communique that
AIPO was committed to the fight against terrorismthrough an integrated and
comprehensive approach taking into account poverty, inequality and
discrimination.
ĦĦĦĦIt reiterated the importance of accelerating ASEAN's integration and
narrowing the development gap within the organization. It viewed with
satisfaction the progress in ASEAN+3 cooperation in various fields as a
groundwork for broader East Asia cooperation.
ĦĦĦĦThe assembly stressed the developing countries' vulnerability to the
adverse effects of globalization and the need for not only free but also fair
trade and the removal of non-tariff barriers such as using environmental
protection as leverage.
ĦĦĦĦIt recognized the role of ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) as an engine for
regional economic development, and resolved that AIPO should establish a legal
framework conducive to trade and investment in ASEAN.
ĦĦĦĦThe participants also highlighted the significance of the Initiative for
ASEAN Integration through assistance to the four newer ASEAN members seeking WTO
accession, IT and e-commerce as well as human resource development.
ĦĦĦĦStressing the importance of poverty alleviation and eradicationmeasures,
the assembly agreed to set up a study group on the establishment of an ASEAN
anti-poverty bank.
ĦĦĦĦIt also decided to promote cooperation on production and distribution of
drugs for AIDS treatment and in the fight against drug trafficking.
ĦĦĦĦThe assembly emphasized the need to promote women's role in politics and
development, and to eradicate domestic violence against women and trafficking
within the region.
ĦĦĦĦThe general assembly conducted separate meetings with observers,namely
Australia, Canada, China, European Parliament, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic
of Korea and Russia. Enditem
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