President Aquino to call for ASEAN unity over disputes

From the Philippine News Agency (May 19): President Aquino to call for ASEAN unity over disputes

President Benigno S. Aquino III will appeal to fellow Association of Southeast Asians (ASEAN) leaders to make a united stand in resolving territorial disputes in the region during the World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia slated in Manila this week.

President Aquino said his administration is pushing for ASEAN centrality in addressing the issues of common interest of the region.

”Inaabisuhan natin ‘yung ating mga brother nations sa ASEAN na itong nangyayari at nagtatanong tayo ano bang gagawin natin collectively dahil kailangan united ‘yung ASEAN at kailangan sang-ayon lahat ng grupo. (We are notifying our brother nations in ASEAN on what is happening and we are asking what actions we have to take collectively. ASEAN should be united and all members should be agreeable),” the President said in a media interview in Legazpi City.

The Chief Executive reiterated the need for ASEAN members to implement the Declaration of Conduct (DOC).

He cited the fifth declaration under the DOC that reads, “The Parties undertake to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability including, among others, refraining from action of inhabiting on the presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features and to handle their differences in a constructive manner.”

Further, President Aquino said he will discuss particularly with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung this week the issues relating to territorial disputes with China.

”Pina-finalize lahat nung details. Nag-usap rin kami informally doon sa ASEAN sa Nay Pyi Taw sa Myanmar. (All details are being finalized. We have already talked informally in the 24th ASEAN Summit in Nay Pyi Taw in Myanmar),” he said.

The Philippines has objected to China’s reclamation activities on Mabini reef in the disputed West Philippine Sea.

Vietnam, on the other hand, also protested against Chinese oil drilling near Hanoi-claimed Paracel Islands.

President Aquino spoke at the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNTWO) ASEAN International Conference on Tourism and Climate Change, and led the inauguration of the Bicol University Health Services in Bicol Monday morning.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=645094