KUALA LUMPUR: Discussions on the participation of nuclear weapon states in the South-East Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ) are showing progress, says Wisma Putra.
Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin said they are also looking at practices in other nuclear weapon-free zones globally.
“At the Asean level, the issue remains a key focus, especially concerning whether nuclear weapon states will agree to the SEANWFZ protocol. Discussions are ongoing.
“There are indications we can achieve progress even though it has been a lengthy process,” he told the press during a curtain raiser session on Sunday (July 6) ahead of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings.
Amran also said the SEANWFZ commission will evaluate discussions held among senior officials of the SEANWFZ executive committee.
SEANWFZ, also known as the Bangkok Treaty, was signed in December 1995 in Bangkok by 10 Asean member countries. It came into effect in March 1997.
The protocol of the treaty commits nuclear weapon states to respect SEANWFZ and not contribute to any act that violates the treaty and its protocols; to not use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against states in the zone; and to not use or threaten to use nuclear weapons within the zone.
On July 3, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said China and Russia have agreed to become signatories to the SEANWFZ, while the United States is currently reviewing the treaty before signing.
He said the involvement of superpowers in the treaty would help preserve South-East Asia as a region of peace, free of nuclear weapons.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian cause will continue being a key focus at the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
Amran said the ceasefire in Palestine is an important issue for Asean with its foreign ministers to monitor developments in the coming days.
“Foreign ministers will discuss this and form a common position to respond to the latest developments,” he added.
On the situation in Myanmar, Amran said it's an important issue for Asean as a whole.
“We expect the foreign ministers to take stock of progress since the 46th Summit, about six weeks ago.
“An important decision was made then, including on the expansion and extension of the ceasefire.
“There will be updates on the development there and the foreign ministers will discuss this” he said.
During the 46th summit, Asean leaders expressed dedication to helping Myanmar find a peaceful and lasting solution to its ongoing crisis.
In a joint statement, leaders of the Asean nations reiterated that the Five-Point Consensus remains the main framework for addressing Myanmar's political crisis.
