Asian Parliamentary Assembly issues Phnom Penh Declaration

Phnom Penh (VNA) - The eighth Asian Parliamentary Assembly issued the Phnom Penh Declaration at the end of its four-day working session on December 11.

"Violent extremism, which can be conducive to terrorism, should not be associated with any culture, civilisation, religion or ethnicity and should be neither tolerated nor condoned," the declaration said.

It said the settlement of issues through violent extremism, terrorism, or war causes great hardship, and breeds even more violence.

The declaration also denounces the use of violence, force and war in the settlement of differences and disputes in international relations, upholds the principles of peaceful coexistence and negotiations in solving international disputes.

It adds that countries in disputes should adhere to the relevant principles of international law enshrined in the United Nations Charter, instruments and other conventions pertaining to the solution to international conflicts.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chairman of the Cambodian National Assembly Heng Samrin said the APA affords a chance for its members and observers to materialise the common long-term vision representing a common voice for all Asian countries.

Themed “Promoting Peace, Reconciliation and Dialogue in Asia”, t he meeting attracted delegates from 19 regional countries, observers and international organisations.

The Vietnamese delegation was led by Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee for External Affairs Tran Van Hang.-VNA