|
Friday, September 15, 2006
Editorials: Asean concerns
The past few days, lawmakers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) met here in Cebu to discuss legal concerns common to all the member nations.
As can be gleaned from the current conference structure, 200 parliamentarians divided themselves into “committees on political, economic, social and organizational matters, indicating the reach of its concerns.”
But the broader thrust of the gathering was the fight against threats of terrorism that is confronting all the Asean member nations.
Common interest
Which is the reason why, in its scheduled plenary yesterday, the Asean Inter Parliamentary Organization (Aipo) discussed all possible areas of concern common to all its members, including the need to promote interfaith dialogue.
This path towards achieving a common ground for unity and understanding among the nations is what the parliamentarians have been trying to tackle, winding up in the plenary yesterday.
A number of resolutions were worked on by the four major committees designed to prod the member nations to work closer on problems of common interest such as the one on cyber crimes and piracy.
Proposals
In the process of strengthening effort to contain crimes under this modern technological milieu, the nations are being obligated to share information especially on the use of new “technology to enhance crimes.”
The political committee is also urging the Asean to collaborate and cooperate “with international and regional agencies for cyber investigation.”
On social matters, the committee presented resolutions on the floor on children and women, HIV and Aids.
These are social concerns common among the Asean members, and working together to resolve them is not only necessary but also needs an exchange of information on programs and strategies.
Excellent channel
At the ground level, the Aipo gathering, which is held annually, is an excellent channel of communication and exchange of common concerns among Asean members.
This should redound to the common good of each member.
The ascendant stance of Southeast Asia in the overall global geopolitical and economic scheme of things necessitates such meetings as the Aipo to generate understanding and peace.
When smaller nations of like interest work together for their common cause, political, social, and economic security becomes all the more feasible.
Unity of purpose and a common goal should be the underlying path to common survival.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (September 15, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
