Bangkok wants clarification of 'terrorism' before signing pact

Bangkok Post ^ | 8 May 2002 | Achara Ashayagachat

[ASA Vet]

Bangkok wants clarification of `terrorism' before signing pact

Arroyo backs Asian co-operation talks

Achara Ashayagachat

Thailand will join the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia in signing a treaty against
terrorism, but only after clarification of the term ``terrorism''.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Ratthakit Manathat said Thailand was ready to
adhere to the treaty as soon as possible, but needed to examine the wording first.

The definition of terrorism would have to be checked. There was also a possibility
some laws would have to be amended to conform with the treaty.

The spokesman was commenting after Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra
had talks with visiting Philippines President Gloria Arroyo, who earlier yesterday
had attended the signing of the anti-terrorism treaty in Kuala Lumpur
by the foreign ministers of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

During the talks at Government House Mrs Arroyo expressed ``full support'' for the government's
call for an Asian co-operation dialogue and closer relations among Asians, the spokesman said.

Mrs Arroyo had agreed that Manila's foreign minister would attend a meeting in Thailand
on June 19 to discuss the proposal with 16 other regional ministers.

These would represent the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations,
as well as China, Japan, South Korea, India, Pakistan, Qatar and Bahrain, Mr Rattakit said.

Mr Thaksin had promised to support the Philippines' bid to become a non-permanent member
of the United Nations Security Council next year.

[ASA Vet]

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