ASEAN charter celebration slated for Dec 15

 The celebration is to mark a historic occasion for ASEAN as the Charter comes into force on that day. This will be followed by a special meeting of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers who will discuss the re-scheduling of the 14 th ASEAN Summit and other relevant matters.

 ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Surin Pitsuwan said, "December 15, 2008 will be a momentous day for our community, an occasion for joyous celebration for all peoples of ASEAN. The entry into force of the Charter is a historic milestone for the organisation, repositioning ASEAN to better meet the challenges of the 21st century."

 "Having the celebration at the ASEAN Secretariat, the headquarters of ASEAN, adds to the symbolism of the occasion. I thank the ASEAN Foreign Ministers for agreeing to change their schedule on such short notice to grace this event."