ID :
56721
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 20:24
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/56721
The shortlink copeid
Thailand: ASEAN summit may be held in June
BANGKOK, April 21 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva in his capacity as chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) said on Tuesday a fresh ASEAN summit with its dialogue partners could take place in Thailand’s Andaman Sea resort island of Phuket in June.
Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now enquiring with all 15 countries regarding the most convenient date for their participation in the new round of summit meetings, Mr. Abhisit said, adding that May is unlikely because India would be in a transitional period with a new government being formed following its general election, while other countries must conclude their annual budgets.
Thailand, as chairman of the 10-country regional grouping, will host the 15th ASEAN summit in October and several involved officials have stated that the renewed ASEAN summit with its six dialogue partners -- China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand – should be held in June.
Prime Minister Abhisit said the foreign ministry has eyed Phuket as the prospective venue but must confer with participant countries to assure that all are in agreement with the preparations and have confidence in the security arrangements.
The ASEAN summit with its six dialogue partners held in Thailand’s Pattaya resort April 10-12 was cancelled by Mr. Abhisit on April 11 when anti-government protesters stormed into the hotel where the meeting was being held.
Asked whether the heads of international agencies would be invited to the summit as per the aborted Pattaya event, Mr, Abhisit said the United Nations secretary-general would attend, but that it depends upon ASEAN secretary-general regarding whom he would invite. (TNA)
Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now enquiring with all 15 countries regarding the most convenient date for their participation in the new round of summit meetings, Mr. Abhisit said, adding that May is unlikely because India would be in a transitional period with a new government being formed following its general election, while other countries must conclude their annual budgets.
Thailand, as chairman of the 10-country regional grouping, will host the 15th ASEAN summit in October and several involved officials have stated that the renewed ASEAN summit with its six dialogue partners -- China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand – should be held in June.
Prime Minister Abhisit said the foreign ministry has eyed Phuket as the prospective venue but must confer with participant countries to assure that all are in agreement with the preparations and have confidence in the security arrangements.
The ASEAN summit with its six dialogue partners held in Thailand’s Pattaya resort April 10-12 was cancelled by Mr. Abhisit on April 11 when anti-government protesters stormed into the hotel where the meeting was being held.
Asked whether the heads of international agencies would be invited to the summit as per the aborted Pattaya event, Mr, Abhisit said the United Nations secretary-general would attend, but that it depends upon ASEAN secretary-general regarding whom he would invite. (TNA)
