Singapore became the first member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member on Monday to formally complete its ratification of the political and economic group's new landmark charter aimed at transforming the bloc.
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November last year (2007), ASEAN members approved and signed the ASEAN Charter. Each member country has to ratify the document for it to be enforceable.
News to day:
Singapore became the first member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member on Monday to formally complete its ratification of the political and economic group's new landmark charter aimed at transforming the bloc.
Singapore handed over its "instrument of ratification" Surin Pitsuwan, secretary general at the ASEAN secretariat.
The charter aims to commit the region to promote human rights and democratic ideals and sets out the principles and rules for members.It also transforms ASEAN, into a legal entity, which will give the group greater clout in international negotiations.
The charter commits ASEAN to strengthen democracy, enhance good governance and the rule of law, and to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. It also requires members to keep the region free of nuclear weapons, ease poverty, protect the environment and work toward an integrated market that allows for free flow of goods, services, investments and professionals.
The charter will come into effect 30 days after the 10th member informs ASEAN that it has been ratified domestically.
ASEAN's original five members were Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam joined later.
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November last year (2007), ASEAN members approved and signed the ASEAN Charter. Each member country has to ratify the document for it to be enforceable.
News to day:
Singapore became the first member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member on Monday to formally complete its ratification of the political and economic group's new landmark charter aimed at transforming the bloc.
Singapore handed over its "instrument of ratification" Surin Pitsuwan, secretary general at the ASEAN secretariat.
The charter aims to commit the region to promote human rights and democratic ideals and sets out the principles and rules for members.It also transforms ASEAN, into a legal entity, which will give the group greater clout in international negotiations.
The charter commits ASEAN to strengthen democracy, enhance good governance and the rule of law, and to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. It also requires members to keep the region free of nuclear weapons, ease poverty, protect the environment and work toward an integrated market that allows for free flow of goods, services, investments and professionals.
The charter will come into effect 30 days after the 10th member informs ASEAN that it has been ratified domestically.
ASEAN's original five members were Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam joined later.
