ASEAN, EU agree to speed up talks on free trade deal
Friday, 23 November 2007
SINGAPORE, Nov 22 (Agencies): Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union agreed today to expedite negotiations for a free trade agreement, saying relations should not be held hostage by their differences over military-ruled Myanmar.
The two sides agreed earlier this year to launch talks on creating a free market zone embracing 37 countries and roughly one billion people, but neither has said when those negotiations might begin.
At a commemorative summit to mark 30 years of diplomatic ties, the ASEAN and the EU adopted a plan of action to broaden and deepen their relations. Both groups pledged in a joint communique to "enhance economic relations by expeditiously negotiating the ASEAN-EU free trade agreement."
Two-way trade totalled 137 billion dollars in 2005.
However, disagreements on how to deal with alleged human rights abuses and political repression in ASEAN member state Myanmar shadowed the meeting, with the two sides at odds on whether sanctions can force the junta to reform.
"While Myanmar is undoubtedly a significant issue, ASEAN-EU relations should not be held hostage by it," Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told a joint news conference.
Lee reiterated ASEAN's position that sanctions are not an effective way to pressure Myanmar's ruling generals to adopt democratic reforms following a crackdown on pro-democracy protests in September that left at least 15 dead.
Whatever their differences on the crisis in Myanmar, Lee said "this should not stop us from cooperating on other issues because if we do, it is a loss to both sides."
Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates, whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency, said both sides wanted to see democracy return to Myanmar but simply differed in their approach.
EU foreign ministers imposed fresh sanctions on Myanmar's military regime, which included an embargo on the import of timber, gems and metals from the isolated military-run state.
Meanwhile, speaking to newsmen on the eve of the talks, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the EU's external relations commissioner, advocated a "carrot and stick" approach to bring about democratic reforms.
"Myanmar is a special problem and we have to deal with it. It should not interfere with the talks," she told reporters on tosday.
The two sides agreed earlier this year to launch talks on creating a free market zone embracing 37 countries and roughly one billion people, but neither has said when those negotiations might begin.
At a commemorative summit to mark 30 years of diplomatic ties, the ASEAN and the EU adopted a plan of action to broaden and deepen their relations. Both groups pledged in a joint communique to "enhance economic relations by expeditiously negotiating the ASEAN-EU free trade agreement."
Two-way trade totalled 137 billion dollars in 2005.
However, disagreements on how to deal with alleged human rights abuses and political repression in ASEAN member state Myanmar shadowed the meeting, with the two sides at odds on whether sanctions can force the junta to reform.
"While Myanmar is undoubtedly a significant issue, ASEAN-EU relations should not be held hostage by it," Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told a joint news conference.
Lee reiterated ASEAN's position that sanctions are not an effective way to pressure Myanmar's ruling generals to adopt democratic reforms following a crackdown on pro-democracy protests in September that left at least 15 dead.
Whatever their differences on the crisis in Myanmar, Lee said "this should not stop us from cooperating on other issues because if we do, it is a loss to both sides."
Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates, whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency, said both sides wanted to see democracy return to Myanmar but simply differed in their approach.
EU foreign ministers imposed fresh sanctions on Myanmar's military regime, which included an embargo on the import of timber, gems and metals from the isolated military-run state.
Meanwhile, speaking to newsmen on the eve of the talks, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the EU's external relations commissioner, advocated a "carrot and stick" approach to bring about democratic reforms.
"Myanmar is a special problem and we have to deal with it. It should not interfere with the talks," she told reporters on tosday.