ASEAN chief urges peaceful end to protests in Pattaya
Posted: 11 April 2009 1937 hrs

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SINGAPORE: ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan has appealed for a peaceful end to the protests in Pattaya as soon as possible.

In a statement, he said the postponement of the three-day 14th ASEAN Summit and related summits came at a time when the world is looking towards ASEAN and East Asia to contribute to solutions for the ongoing financial and economic crisis.

The leaders were expected to discuss plans to cope with the crisis following the G20 Summit in London from 2-3 April.

Leaders from ASEAN, China, Japan and South Korea were also expected to convene in Pattaya to discuss ways and joint responses to boost the regional economies,
as well as to encourage the early conclusion of the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilaterisation by their finance ministers.

The Chiang Mai Initiative has been enlarged to US$120b following the 13th ASEAN Finance Ministers' Meeting in Pattaya.

The postponement of the summits also delayed the signing of the ASEAN-China Investment Agreement as well as discussion on other pressing issues that the world is facing with such as food and energy security and disaster management.

Dr Surin said: "It is for the interest of all the 570 million peoples in ASEAN that leaders of ASEAN and East Asia are able to come together to discuss and synergise efforts to cope with the many challenges that the world is grappling with now.

"Many people are affected by these challenges, and it is imperative that we do not let these efforts be derailed at the expense of the peoples. I will like to appeal for a peaceful end to the protests at the earliest time possible."

- CNA/ir