AIPO delegates OK anti-terror, bio-fuels pact

CEBU CITY — Delegates in the ongoing Asean Inter-Parliamentary Organization General Assembly approved yesterday at the committee level agreements to combat terrorism through inter-faith dialogues, engage in the production of bio-fuels, and transform the AIPO into a body closely integrated with its mother-organization, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

On the second day of the 27th AIPO assembly, of which Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. is president, the 300 regular delegates from eight member-parliaments worked overtime in the morning sessions discussing and approving resolutions at the four major committees where delegates were spread.

Among other resolutions approved were one to build energy security, cooperate in fighting cyber-terrorism and transform itself into an organization closely integrated with the ASEAN by changing its name to the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA).

"So far, we’ve had fruitful and substantive discussions on many vital issues raised by the different delegations. We have had an excellent assembly so far," said De Venecia, a two-time AIPO president who batted for closer linkage between the ASEAN and AIPO in his opening address Monday.