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Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (1st L, front) attends the 11th ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Plus Three Summit in Singapore on Nov. 20, 2007. (Xinhua Photo)
SINGAPORE, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao attended the 11th ASEAN plus Three Summit in Singapore on Tuesday, and made a five-point proposal on strengthening and deepening cooperation among the 10 ASEAN states and China, Japan and South Korea.
"2007 marks the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN plus Three (China, Japan and South Korea) mechanism. Over the past decade, more than 50 dialogue mechanisms and about 100 cooperation projects within the 10+3 framework have been launched, which enhanced the cohesive force among countries in East Asia and promoted prosperity in this region," Wen said in a speech at the summit.
"Fostering a model of cooperation based on equal participation and a step-by-step approach, and by seeking common ground while putting aside differences, building consensus and achieving common development, the 10+3 mechanism has set a good example of promoting cooperation in Asia under new historical circumstances," he added.
"The 10+3 mechanism has entered a new stage currently, facing new opportunities and challenges," the premier said, adding that the attending countries have "set the goal of ensuring peace, stability and prosperity for East Asia" and "charted the course for future development of 10+3 cooperation."
Premier Wen further put forward a five-point proposal on strengthening and deepening cooperation among 13 countries, namely,
-- to respect each other and treat each other as equals to ensure that all countries live in harmony;
-- to uphold common interests and promote common development and prosperity;
-- to take a coordinated approach and achieve comprehensive and balanced economic and social development in East Asia;
-- to respect the realities in East Asia and to explore and develop models and ways of cooperation that are compatible with the diversity of the region;
-- to be open and inclusive so as to achieve the long-term goal of an East Asian community by drawing on each country's strength.
The premier also renewed China's promise to build friendship and partnerships with its neighbors and actively participate in regional cooperation.
"China strives to develop a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous Asia, together with all the other states in the mechanism," Wen stressed.
Other leaders said that against the backdrop of globalization, all the countries in the region not only face good opportunities for development, but also meet common problems and challenges.
They said, "Strengthening 10+3 cooperation is the general trend and common desire of all the countries. We should continue to support and promote the integration process of ASEAN and to move toward the goal of ASEAN community through ASEAN Plus Three as the major channel."
Musharraf to quit as army chief by weekend
Source: Xinhua | 11-21-2007 15:51
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President General Pervez Musharraf speaks during a question and answer programme at The President's House in Islamabad. A new caretaker prime minister and cabinet members will take oath of office Friday. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)
ISLAMABAD, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf may quit as Army Chief by the weekend, the Attorney General Malik Muhammad Qayyum said on Wednesday.
If the Supreme Court announces verdict by Thursday or Friday, then Musharraf may doff uniform by the weekend, Malik Qayyum said when talking to reporters at the Supreme Court building.
"The issue of President Musharraf uniform is now a matter of days," Malik Qayyum said.
Musharraf's re-election bid was challenged in the Supreme Court and five of the six petitions have already been dismissed. The court is set to announce on Thursday or Friday a verdict on the last one petition.
Musharraf achieved a crushing victory in the presidential elections on Oct. 6 according to local press reports. However, the Supreme Court had stopped the Election Commission from issuing an official notification of the elections unless the court gives a final verdict on the petitions.
Musharraf has insisted that he will take oath as a civilian president for the next five-year term.
Editor:Zhang Pengfei
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