[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 28, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2104]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH EAST ASIAN NATIONS (ASEAN) ON 
            THE OCCASION OF ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY (H.R. 282)

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 28, 1997

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am submitting today a Resolution (H.R. 
282) congratulating the Association of South East Asian Nations [ASEAN] 
on the occasion of their 30th anniversary. ASEAN's emphasis on 
cooperation and the nonviolent settlement of disputes has fostered 
peace among its members in a region of the world which has long been 
wrought with instability and conflict. It is now difficult to visualize 
armed strife between ASEAN nations.
  Since its inception in 1967, ASEAN has grown to become an influential 
political and economic grouping composed of nine member nations. By 
tempting the longstanding rivalries among its members, ASEAN helps to 
foster a stable and secure environment conducive to economic growth and 
the political development of Southeast Asian nations.
  Its efforts to promote the economic, social, and cultural development 
of the region through cooperative programs; to safeguard the political 
and economic stability of the region; and to serve as a forum for the 
resolution of intra-regional differences has made ASEAN a model of 
regional integration.
  The United States has important strategic, economic, and political 
interests at stake in Southeast Asia. Maintaining stability remains an 
overriding U.S. security interest in the region. Instability would not 
only threaten significant U.S. economic interests, but could also 
undermine important U.S. political relationships. ASEAN's Regional 
Forum [ARF], the region's only security consultative platform, is a key 
partner of the United States in maintaining regional stability.
  The ASEAN countries provide the United States with significant 
commercial opportunities. ASEAN, is the fourth largest trading partner 
of the United States and constitutes a larger market for United States 
exports than the People's Republic of China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong 
combined. Despite current difficulties, projections of future ASEAN 
growth indicate that the Southeast Asian regional market will become 
even more important to United States economic interests in the future. 
At the same time, U.S. policymakers hope to see greater trade 
liberalization among the nations of ASEAN as economic ties deepen.
  The Congress rightfully has expressed its concern about the 
development of human rights and democracy for the nations of ASEAN but 
is pleased with the flourishing of democracy in Thailand and the 
Philippines. It is hoped that these examples will encourage progress by 
the other nations of ASEAN in the furthering of democratic principles 
and practices, respect for human rights, and the enhancement of the 
rule of law.
  The Congress looks forward to a broadening and deepening of 
friendship and cooperation with ASEAN in the years ahead for the mutual 
benefit of the people of the United States and the nations of ASEAN.
  I call upon my colleagues in the House of Representatives to support 
this resolution.

                              H. Res. 282

       Whereas 1997 marks the 30th anniversary of the Association 
     of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN);
       Whereas the emphasis of ASEAN on cooperation and the 
     nonviolent settlement of disputes has helped to bring peace 
     between the nations of the region which for decades had been 
     characterized by instability and conflict;
       Whereas the economies of the member nations of ASEAN have 
     experienced significant economic growth benefiting the lives 
     of many of their people;
       Whereas ASEAN as a group is the 4th largest trading partner 
     of the United States and constitutes a larger market for 
     United States exports than the People's Republic of China, 
     Taiwan, and Hong Kong combined;
       Whereas ASEAN has successfully fostered a sense of 
     community among its member nations despite differing 
     interests, including the establishment of the region's only 
     security forum, the Association of South East Asian Nations 
     Regional Forum (ARF), and the Association of South East Asian 
     Nations Free Trade Area (AFTA);
       Whereas ASEAN has played a pivotal role in international 
     efforts of global and regional concern, including securing 
     the withdrawal of Vietnamese forces from Cambodia and 
     diplomatic efforts to foster a political settlement to the 
     civil war in Cambodia;
       Whereas the United States relies on ASEAN as a partner in 
     fostering regional stability, enhancing prosperity, and 
     promoting peace; and
       Whereas the 30th anniversary of the formation of ASEAN 
     offers an opportunity for the United States and the nations 
     of ASEAN to renew their commitment to international 
     cooperation on issues of mutual interest and concern: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) congratulates the Association of South East Asian 
     Nations (ASEAN) and its member nations on the occasion of its 
     30th anniversary;
       (2) looks forward to a broadening and deepening of 
     friendship and cooperation with ASEAN in the years ahead for 
     the benefit of the people of the United States and the 
     nations of ASEAN;
       (3) encourages progress by ASEAN members toward the further 
     development of democracy, respect for human rights, 
     enhancement of the rule of law, and the expansion of market 
     economies; and
       (4) recognizes the past achievements of ASEAN and pledges 
     its support to work closely with ASEAN as both the United 
     States and the nations of ASEAN face current and future 
     regional and global challenges.

     

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