(VOVworld) - ASEAN Foreign Ministers last Friday approved the bloc’s six-point principles on the East Sea following direct consultation with the Foreign Ministers of Vietnam, the Philippines, and Cambodia. The document reiterated solidarity and consensus as decisive factors in ASEAN’s strength. VOV editor Anh Huyen has more:

Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong (C) announces ASEAN 6-point principles

Peace, stability, security, and maritime safety in the East Sea are common concerns of ASEAN members and others in the region and the world at large. East Sea issues are not a bilateral matter between certain ASEAN members and China. Realizing this, Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa made visits throughout the region last week to persuade member countries to support the bloc’s joint statement on the East Sea issue.

In an international press briefing in Phnom Penh last Friday, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hor Namhong announced ASEAN’s six-point principles on the East Sea. The Foreign Ministers reaffirmed ASEAN members’ commitment  to the 6 principles including the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea; the full respect of the universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea;  continued exercise of self-restraint and non-use of force by all parties; and peaceful resolution of disputes, in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Foreign Minister Hor Namhong said ‘The ASEAN Foreign Ministers are determined to intensify ASEAN consultations in the advancement of the above principles, consistent with the 1976 Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and the 2008 ASEAN Charter’.

The announcement of a joint communiqué has dispelled a suspicion of differences among the members that has lingered since the 45^th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting concluded a week ago without releasing a joint communiqué. ASEAN now appears united and ready to continue its central role in dealing with regional ‘hot’ issues. The principles show a consensus among all South East Asian 10 member countries on East Sea issues. The principles are a recognition that violations will affect ASEAN, and that despite any differences they might have, they are able to find a common voice in matters of common interest. Vietnam’s stance is consistent – its national interests can’t be isolated from regional interests. Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh said not only maritime countries but all in the bloc should try harder to maintain peace in the East Sea. Vinh said ‘We must ensure international laws will be respected with regard to national sovereignty and settlement of disputes without the use of armed forces. ASEAN should use all available means and forums relating to politics, security, and cooperation for regional development. These include the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South East Asia, the Treaty for a Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapon Free Zone, and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea’.

The six-point principles are another consensus of ASEAN in its way to building a community by 2015.