Cambodia demeans the Asean chair
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Re: Cambodia has put Asean future in jeopardy, Editorial, July 15.
After half a century of hard work in an attempt to build regional unity, Asean has made a mistake by allowing Cambodia to use its self-interest to destabilise the unity of the grouping.
As the current holder of Asean’s revolving chair, Cambodia has failed to bring the participating foreign ministers to issue a joint communique after a recent summit in Phnom Penh. Such an incident has never happened in Asean’s 45-year history.
Thus, Cambodia is being seen as trying to use its position as Asean’s chair to best suit its own interest – not that of the grouping. If this is true, it is unbecoming and unworthy of the grouping’s chair.
The incident in Phnom Penh has also dealt a big blow to Asean secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan, who has been working hard to make the grouping stronger and more united.
It’s a pity that Dr Surin’s tenure, which ends late this year, should have been marred by this incident.
Vint Chavala
Lamphun
