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Week Ending June 15, 2007

S.RES.110 A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-United States dialogue and relationship.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations was established in 1967 with Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, later expanding to include Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, and Vietnam. In 1977 the US began a dialogue with the group leading to those countries becoming the third largest export market for US good as well as recipients of $90 billion in direct US investment. Trade between the US and ASEAN countries is reported at $170 billion yearly. 40,000 ASEAN students attend college in the US.

The preamble states that ASEAN countries partner with the US against global terrorism although such cooperation is far from what transpires with Burma.

More resolution below…..

Sponsor:  Senator Richard Lugar (IN)

Vote: Passed Senate by Unanimous Consent June 12. 2007

Cost to the taxpayers: No discernible cost

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MORE INFORMATION

Whereas the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (referred to in this resolution as `ASEAN'), was established in 1967, with Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand as the initial members;

Whereas the membership of ASEAN has expanded to 10 countries since its establishment in 1967, and now includes Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam;

Whereas the United States-ASEAN dialogue and relationship began in 1977;

Whereas the countries of ASEAN constitute the 3rd largest export market for the United States, have received approximately $90,000,000,000 in direct investment from the United States, and are developing an integrated free trade area;

Whereas trade between the United States and the countries of ASEAN totals nearly $170,000,000,000 annually;

Whereas ASEAN is committed to accelerated economic growth, social progress, cultural development, and regional peace and stability;

Whereas ASEAN is committed to developing a regional energy security strategy;

Whereas nearly 40,000 students from ASEAN countries are studying in the United States;

Whereas ASEAN countries share common concerns with the United States, including the spread of avian influenza and other diseases, and environmental issues, such as the preservation of biodiversity and illegal logging;

Whereas ASEAN countries continue to partner with the United States against global terrorism;

Whereas the Senate passed legislation authorizing the establishment of the position of United States Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs; and

Whereas United States officials announced in August of 2006 that an Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs will be appointed: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That--

(1) it is the sense of the Senate that--

(A) the United States and the ASEAN countries should continue implementing the ASEAN-United States Enhanced Partnership, with emphasis on the agreed upon specific priority measures for cooperation in 2007;

(B) the United States should proceed with appointing a United States Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs;

(C) the United States should work with the countries of ASEAN in developing a regional energy strategy;

(D) the United States should provide greater emphasis and support toward encouraging students from ASEAN countries to study in the United States, and American students to study in ASEAN countries; and

(E) the United States should continue to support the work of multilateral financial institutions, including the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank in ASEAN countries, and to encourage additional transparency and anticorruption efforts by those institutions, for the benefit of the ASEAN countries where they operate;

(2) the Senate welcomes the initiation of a Fulbright Program for ASEAN scholars; and

(3) the Senate welcomes and encourages planning by the countries of ASEAN and the United States for an ASEAN-United States Summit in 2007.

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