Chatto supports regional integration at Tehran gab

TEHRAN , IRAN – PHILIPPINE Representative Edgar Chatto, delegates' spokesperson during the Second Expert Panel Conference of the Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace (AAPP) strongly supports Asian regional integration to bring benefits through socioeconomic stability and sustainable security in various fields, particularly in the areas of law and law making.

Congressman Chatto spoke at the formal dinner reception in honor of the delegates hosted by Speaker Abou Torabi of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Chatto, who was seated next to Speaker Torabi in the reception during a later interview with Iran 's National Television, said that reviewing the position and status of Asia proves that Asian countries enjoy valuable capacities and capabilities for integration and unity. He likewise expressed the hope of the Honorable Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives Jose De Venecia that the Iran meeting will pave the way towards the formation of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly in the near future.

Bangkok was the original venue of the gathering but Iran assumed the responsibility as host country after the recent political developments in Thailand. Chatto was accompanied in Tehran by Secretary General Josefina Azarcon of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organization (AIPO) to present the Philippine proposals in preparation for the AAPPs General Assembly in Tehran in November this year.

The Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace was launched in Dhaka , Bangladesh on September 1999. It had originally 29 founding member countries which increased to 39 at present. Their main objective includes among others the fostering of cooperation and coordination among parliamentarians in Asia for, the promotion of peace, socio-economic; development and respect for humanitarian principles. Cong. Chatto and party were met at the Tehran Airport by Consul Renato Dueñas Jr. of the Philippine Consulate in Tehran and the officials of the Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They were given a luncheon reception at the residence of Philippine Consul General and Mrs. Laureano Santiago and were billeted as official guests of the Iranian Gov't at the plush Azadi Hotel- Tehran. The Philippines and Iran continues to enjoy strong diplomatic ties with 1/3 of the Philippine oil requirements supplied by Iran .

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