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Socialist International expresses solidarity with Karpal
Media Statement
by Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew
(Kuala Lumpur,
Tuesday):
On 8-9 October 2004 some 20 parties and organisations from the Asia-Pacific
region and beyond gathered in Phnom Penh for a meeting of the Socialist
International Asia-Pacific Committee, the first SI gathering in Cambodia,
which was hosted by the Cambodian People's Party.
The meeting registered its solidarity with Karpal Singh, DAP National
Chairman and MP of Bukit Gelugor, who was suspended from the Malaysian
Parliament for six monthly in a most unjust and frivolous manner. Lim Guan
Eng, DAP Secretary General joined 27 other representatives from all over the
world in Phnom Pehn.
The meeting was opened with addresses by the CPP Standing Committee member
and Minister, Mrs Men Sam An, and the Secretary General of the Socialist
International, Luis Ayala, and also heard a contribution to the discussions
by Cambodia's Acting Prime Minister and member of the CPP Standing
Committee, Mr Sar Kheng.
Participants discussed the social democratic perspective from Asia and the
Pacific on the issues of Globalisation and Governance, with a broad exchange
of views and experiences.
The strengthening of democratic governance at global, regional and national
levels with mechanisms to ensure fairness and social justice, sustainable
development and a more effective rule of law was emphasised to achieve a
form of globalisation which benefits and promotes the well-being of all the
people of this region of the world.
Peace and Security also figured highly on the agenda, with a review of
existing conflicts and threats in the region, with agreement on the
particular need for deepening cooperation between nations in Asia and the
Pacific and throughout the globe, rather than unilateral or pre-emptive
approaches in dealing with these crucial issues. Emphasis was also placed on
the need to further democracy, human rights and economic progress, and the
importance of advancing social democratic values and solidarity to achieve
common objectives in this vast and interdependent region.
The meeting also received and considered reports from participants on the
national situations in their countries and agreed on a
Declaration of Phnom Penh,
reflecting the content and outcome of their discussions.
The Committee agreed to convene next in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, next year in
advance of the first SI Council of 2005.
(12/10/2004)
* Ronnie Liu Tian
Khiew, DAP International Secretary
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http://dapmalaysia.org