Asean chief charts new UN courseShortly after last month's Asean foreign ministerial retreat in Vietnam's Nha Trang, Secretary General Dato Lim Jock Hoi flew to New York. The concern was that the unprecedented practice would open a Pandora's Box among other UNSC members, which could in future divide Asean on sensitive issues. First, as a regional organisation, Asean has a role to play in accordance with chapter VIII of the UN Charter. Finally, UNSC members also mentioned the Asean role in working for sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. At the briefing, UNSC members such as China, Russia and Germany, who are also Asean dialogue partners, highlighted their growing ties with the bloc.

Source: Bangkok Post February 10, 2020 20:15 UTC