AAPP Calls for Strengthened Parliamentary Cooperation

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, April 18, 2002

AAPP Calls for Strengthened Parliamentary Cooperation

Parliamentary delegates from 39countries at the third annual meeting of the AAPP called Wednesday for stronger parliamentary cooperation. During the general debate, participants discussed a number of topics including multi-polarization and world peace, economic globalization and its impact upon developing countries, international cooperation and the establishment of new international political and economic orders.

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Li Peng (Left) Elected AAPP Chairman

Parliamentary delegates from 39countries at the third annual meeting of the Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace (AAPP) called Wednesday for stronger parliamentary cooperation for co-development among Asian countries.

China's top legislator Li Peng was elected president of the third annual meeting of the AAPP.

Introduction of Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace (AAPP)

Created in September of 1999, the AAPP is the largest inter-parliamentarian organization in Asia with 36 member states and 15 non-member states.

In line with the theme of "peace and development", lawmakers every year will discuss a wide spectrum of issues including multi-polarization in the world politics, world peace, economic globalization and its ensuing impact upon developing nations and how to strengthen international cooperation for a new international political and economic order.

During the general debate, participants discussed a number of topics including multi-polarization and world peace, economic globalization and its impact upon developing countries, international cooperation and the establishment of new international political and economic orders.

The debate was jointly presided over by Li Peng and the vice-president Norodom Ranarith. A total of 12 delegation heads or deputy heads took the floor.

The delegates extended their congratulations to Li Peng, saying that the AAPP, under Li's leadership, will reach a new high.

Common concern issues discussed

Middle East peace

A common concern about the tension in the Middle East was expressed. The delegates hoped that the Israel-Palestine issue could be solved, and the two peoples could enjoy a happy and peaceful life as soon as possible.

Gradual unification

A delegate with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)said the DPRK is confident of a gradual reunification of the Korean Peninsula through peaceful means, with the common efforts of the two sides and the international community.

Multi-polarization

Delegates from Bahrain, Bangladesh and Cyprus spoke highly of the conference theme of Peace and Development, saying that the widening gap between the rich and the poor nations has forged the biggest obstacle to world peace.

Karim AL-Shakar, the ambassador of Bahrain to China, said that most Asian countries are now confronting tough issues including poverty and illiteracy, which are left over by years of colonization or semi-colonization.

Barrister Muhammad Jamiruddin Sircar, speaker of the Bangladesh parliament, said that the establishment of the AAPP in 1999 offered a valuable opportunity for Asian countries with different cultural and historical backgrounds to gather and work for their co-progress.

Globalization

Globalization means more challenges than opportunities to developing countries in Asia, which renders necessary much closer ties among Asian countries, said Sircar.

On international affairs, delegates unanimously called for a respect for the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant resolutions to establish a more justified international political order against terrorism, separatism and racism.

World's peace

Deputy Speaker Mohsen Armin of Iran said that international community should make a clear-cut definition of terrorism and no parallel should be made between national liberation activities and terrorism activities.

Nicolas Fattouche, deputy head of the National Assembly of Lebanon, said that peace is a premise to the world's sustained development, and no countries are allowed to infringe upon the sovereignty of others by making the war against terrorism an excuse.

Human rights

Delegates also elaborated their views on human rights. Norodom Ranarith, president of the Cambodian National Assembly, called for more protection of the interests of women and children.

Delegates said that parliamentary organizations of Asian countries should explore more channels for deeper collaboration and pay more attention to the needs of the grassroots.

Delegates from Indonesia, Iraq and Kiribati also made speeches during the debate.

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