Asem backs Philippines on peaceful solutions

The 49-member Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem) has expressed full support for the Philippine resolution calling for a peaceful resolution of the territorial disputes arising from the South China Sea, Malacanang Palace reported on Wednesday. Malacanang cited a provision in the draft declaration which expressed such support at the conclusion on Tuesday of the ninth annual summit of leaders from 20 Asian and 29 European countries hosted by Laos in its capital city of Vientiane. It added the heads of the European Council and the European Commission also endorsed the resolution through what they called a “partnership for peace.” According to Malacanang, the draft Vientiane Declaration “renewed our commitment to refrain from acts of threats or the use of force in any manner, inconsistent with the UN Charter and international law against the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of any state.” As such, the provision, Malacanang added, “seeks a peaceful settlement through dialogue, negotiations and other means in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.” In his bilateral meeting with some European leaders at the sidelines of the summit, Malacanang likewise reported that Aquino was lauded for the signing of a framework agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to bring peace to Mindanao. The Philippines introduced the resolution in the Asem attended by President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino and other Asian and European leaders which carried the theme, “Friends for Peace, Partners in Prosperity.” The Asem, which meets every two years, was initiated by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) for closer cooperation with European nations and to tackle issues of common interests. The group has since expanded to 20 Asian and 29 European countries and its latest members have included Norway, Switzerland and Bangladesh. The Philippines has been advocating in various international forums a peaceful resolution of disputes arising from its territorial standoff  with China in the South China Sea. In particular, the Philippines and China are embroiled in a dispute over the Scarborough Shoal located in what Manila has now called the West Philippine Sea.