Asean's right body secured

"All members have agreed in principle to have the humanrights body. We don't need to have a further debate on the issue, as only some technical details need to be added," Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram said yesterday.

The foreign ministers of Asean wrapped up the drafting of the Asean Charter on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Human rights is a sensitive issue for many members of Asean, as some have been accused of violations and had tried to soften the role of the humanrights body.

"I put it clearly that the humanrights body should not only be a consultative mechanism," Nitya told reporters. "It must have clear functions to promote and protect human rights in many aspects."

Asean also needed to write the terms of reference to have a clear function and duties of the new body, an official said.

The highlevel task force (HLTF) on the drafting of the Asean Charter has nearly completed its mission to ensure the 40 yearold grouping has a clear legal status. More than 90 per cent of the work has been undertaken, said Foreign Ministry deputy permanent secretary Pradap Pibulsonggram.

The charter will be ready for the signatures of Asean leaders at their summit in Singapore in November, said Pradap, who is also the head of the Thai HLTF.

Within a year or so of the signing, all 10 members of the grouping should ratify the charter so that it can come into force, he said.

The charter will provide Asean with clear legal procedures to transform itself into a real community as it deals with the structure and functions of Asean's three pillars - security, economy and society - he said.

It will create a council, of which foreign ministers will be members, to coordinate work before submitting it for the consideration of leaders, he added.

The charter will also enhance the role of the Asean secretarygeneral and secretariat office, requiring members to have permanent representatives at the headquarters in Jakarta, Pradap said.

Asean is also preparing to have a greater role in the international community and signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations on Thursday, Nitya said.

Supalak G Khundee

The Nation