Asean statement on South China Sea welcomed

From Asean Affairs office

21-July-2012

Singapore welcomed yesterday release by foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) of a six-point statement of principles on resolving disputes in the South China Sea.

“This statement is the result of the unceasing efforts of Indonesia,” the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The ministry said the statement “goes some way to repair the damage caused by the failure” of last week’s annual meeting of foreign ministers to issue their customary joint statement. It also “helps to restore Asean centrality in the regional architecture,” it said.

“Singapore and other like-minded Asean member states had tried very hard to negotiate a consensus … on what should be said about the South China Sea issues.

“Some of the proposals put forward last week … and supported by several Asean member states, were broadly similar to the statement which has now been accepted by all.”

The ministry added that “We are glad that a week later, there is new consensus and the statement has been issued.”