GMA proposes ASEAN anti-terrorism plan

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – President Arroyo offered yesterday to other leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) four types of action to fight terrorism in the region.

Speaking at the seventh ASEAN summit at the International Convention Center, Mrs. Arroyo said ASEAN member countries cannot have progress and stability if the region is not safe from terrorism.

Mrs. Arroyo said she is willing to host a multilateral "simulation game" to create an emergency response to threats of terrorism in Southeast Asia.

"I am asking the Secretary General ASEAN, Rodolfo Severino, who is a Filipino, to help me put it (simulation game) together," she said. "The Philippines will host it."

Mrs. Arroyo asked her fellow heads of state to act in concert to protect ASEAN from terrorists and set up regional security against the threat.

The four anti-terrorist actions are:

• Adoption of an ASEAN declaration against terrorism, similar to the one agreed upon in principle during the luncheon of ASEAN leaders hosted by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shanghai;

• An ASEAN operational agreement on combating terrorism and covering the areas of defense, security and border cooperation; more active multilateral exchange of information, intelligence and communication effecting restraints on terrorist funds; transportation, energy and health security, customs and border contacts; and ensuring a stable environment for trade investment, travel and tourism;

• Conduct of a multilateral seminar game on emergency response to terrorist threat that can be started with a simulation game to be held among participants from ASEAN countries; and

• Pursue broader interfaith dialogues to promote solidarity among Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and members of other religions.

Mrs. Arroyo said the simulation game would allow ASEAN member countries to have a frank exchange of views and share information on the mechanism on the role of defense forces in responding to terrorist threats.

Mrs. Arroyo said it would be logical for ASEAN to be explicit in its collective response to the call to fight all threats to international peace and security in accordance with international law and the United Nations charter.

ASEAN should work with the UN to bring to justice terrorists, their organizers and sponsors, as well as those aiding, supporting and harboring them, she added.

Mrs. Arroyo said the Philippines has first-hand experience with terrorism and that the government sees the need to improve existing capabilities in emergency response to terrorist threats.

The Philippines also sees a chance for ASEAN to integrate efforts in giving assistance to other member countries in times when there are threats of terrorism, she added.

The 10 ASEAN member countries are holding their first working summit here with less ceremony.