ASEAN Concerned About Arms BuildupThe Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is "very much concerned" about the arms buildup in the world, Thai foreign minister Surin Pitsuwan said here Tuesday making clear the regional organization's stance on the issue of U. S. National Missile Defense (NMD).Speaking at a press conference after the closing of the 33rd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, Surin said "ASEAN in general is very much concerned about arms build-up." This position is shown and reflected in ASEAN's efforts to provide the forum "for confidence building in order to avoid arms build-up (and) stockpile," he said when answering a question on the U.S. NMD. "Any addition will be an issue of concern to us, particularly if it is being carried out in a manner that would affect confidence, mutual confidence (and) international confidence," Surin stressed. Expressing that ASEAN would like to hear the concerns, reasons and problems of all participants concerned, he said that the best contribution ASEAN can make is to make sure that confidence would not be affected by arms buildup and people can go on "talking and discussing without working under the pressure of fear". The two-day annual meeting from Monday precedes a series of ASEAN talks running until July 29 also involving China, Japan and South Korea and wider bilateral and regional security discussions bringing in the United States, Russia and the European Union among others. |
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