House, govt ratify ASEAN charter

The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Wed, 10/08/2008 9:14 PM | National

The House of Representatives Comission I and the government approved a bill for the ratification of the ASEAN Charter on Wednesday, after a month of discussions in a House special committee.

The approval was signed during a committee meeting chaired by Marzuki Darusman, after spokesmen of all House factions had voiced their agreement to ratify the charter.

The final text of the ASEAN charter has drawn mixed reviews, with some praising it as a step forward for the bloc, which was often criticized as merely talking shop, and others blasting it for failing to explicitly regulate sanctions or decision-making mechanisms.

Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirayuda who attended the meeting said the ASEAN human rights body was meant to promote and protect human rights in the region.

The planned human rights body, scheduled for establishment next July, is a focal point in the charter, with many pushing for a strong body that has monitoring and legal power.

Under the charter, ASEAN member countries violating commonly agreed rules would be liable to certain sanctions.

Hassan said the bill would probably mark the first time a foreign policy has been backed by a law. People in ASEAN countries would also have an increased involvement in the association's programs and activities.

Following this agreement, the House's consultative body must now decide a date for a House plenary session where the bill can be passed into law.

The approval for the bill was signed by representatives of eight of the 10 House factions, with the signatures of two absent factions to be provided at a later date. Justice and Human Rights
Minister Andi Matalatta, Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu and Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayudha signed on behalf of the government.

ASEAN leaders signed the charter in November last year, agreeing to have it ratified before the next ASEAN Summit in December in Bangkok. (dre)

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