ASEAN leaders agree to strengthen cooperation for implementation of declaration on the conduct of parties in South China sea

From the Philippine News Agency (May 12): ASEAN leaders agree to strengthen cooperation for implementation of declaration on the conduct of parties in South China sea

Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) pledged on Sunday to enhance cooperation for the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) at the end of the two-day summit.

The ASEAN leaders, including President Benigno S. Aquino III, concluded the 24th ASEAN Summit by adopting the Nay Pyi Taw Declaration on Realization of the ASEAN Community by 2015 on Sunday afternoon.

The leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation for the full and effective implementation of the DOC in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS.

They also called on all parties to “exercise self-restraint and non-use of force, as well as refrain from taking actions that would further escalate tension and to work towards an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea as reflected in the ASEAN’s Six-Point Principles on the South China Sea.”

On Saturday, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers issued a statement expressing serious concern over the ongoing developments in the South China Sea, which have increased tensions in the area.

They urged all parties concerned to exercise self-restraint and to resolve disputes by peaceful means and without resorting to threats or use of force. They also called on all parties to undertake full and effective implementation of the DOC.

"Moving Forward in Unity to A Peaceful and Prosperous Community" was the theme of this year’s summit. Myanmar hosted the ASEAN Summit for the first time since it joined the bloc in 1997.

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