Cambodia Faces Tests With 2012 Asean Chairmanship
For the second time in the history of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Cambodia has taken over the chairmanship of the 10-nation bloc. The country first chaired Asean in 2002–03, when it had been a member for only three years. Yet the world and the region have changed considerably in the last 10 years. One notable change is the arrival of the Asean Charter in 2008. The charter stipulates that the Asean chairmanship must coincide with the calendar year; that Asean Summits take place twice a year instead of only once; and that the chairmanships of most Asean bodies, to the extent possible, be bundled into the same country. Between chairing and hosting Asean meetings, Cambodia has much on its plate this year. But beyond its hosting duties, Phnom Penh must face up to a range of difficult issues as chair…
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/opinion/cambodia-faces-tests-with-2012-asean-chairmanship/499533
