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NOW that the talking and drafting is done, Asean countries will have to show the world that they are resolved to draw closer together and make their new Charter, to be signed on Tuesday, a reality.
Making this call in an interview with The Straits Times, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong described the Asean Charter as a 'major milestone' in Asean's continuing journey towards being a region that is integrated, stable and prosperous.
'It is a good document that reflects the collective determination of all 10 member states to build an Asean Community. But its ambitions can only become a reality through sustained political commitment from all members,' he said of the 31-page Charter, a constitution of sorts for the 40-year-old regional grouping.
He added that the Charter would 'transform Asean from a loose regional grouping into an effective rules-based organisation, where commitments are duly implemented and compliance is monitored, and where disputes are settled effectively and peacefully.'
The summit, which also marks Asean's 40th anniversary, will see a flurry of diplomatic meetings culminating in the signing of the Charter, as well as a blueprint to forge an Asean Economic Community by 2015, and several 'green' declarations on environmental sustainability and climate change.
Noting that what was needed next was political will to deliver on these visionary statements, PM Lee said: 'Asean must demonstrate to the world its resolve to pursue closer integration. A strong Asean can deepen its engagement with external partners, and work with them on shared challenges like economic development, regional security, climate change and environmental protection.'
Read the full story and text of the interview in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times.
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