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SINGAPORE: All ASEAN foreign ministers on Wednesday confirmed that they will be taking part in the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, which will be held in Singapore on Monday.
The meeting is convened to discuss the humanitarian situation in Myanmar, after Cyclone Nargis slammed into the southwest delta area over the May 3rd weekend.
Fast Facts
The ministers will consider how best to help Myanmar, an ASEAN member, in its relief and recovery efforts.
Reports also quoted ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Surin Pitsuwan as saying an emergency rapid assessment team will be dispatched soon to determine the country's needs.
Dr Surin will also discuss how ASEAN can collaborate with the World Bank when he meets its president, Robert Zoellick, in Washington on Thursday.
Meanwhile, in China's Dandong city, Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo said the Myanmar government is likely to come to the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting with a list of requests on how the grouping can assist in its rescue and recovery efforts.
Speaking to the media, Mr Yeo said the May 19 meeting will explore how ASEAN can assist in the aftermath of the cyclone.
The meeting was proposed in Singapore last week at a special informal senior officials' meeting, where officials were preparing for the upcoming ASEAN Regional Forum in July.
Mr Yeo said ASEAN can help in the restoration of services or provide materials for rebuilding homes and other infrastructure. However, he said the Myanmar government had repeatedly pointed out that while it will accept foreign aid, it will not accept foreign personnel. Mr Yeo said this is something ASEAN will respect.
He said when first asked about the special meeting, Myanmar's Foreign Minister Nyan Win had immediately agreed.
Mr Yeo was speaking in the northeastern Chinese city after concluding a five-day official visit to North Korea. - CNA/ac/ls
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