ASEM process (Asia-Europe Meeting): perspectives and priorities into the new decade

The European Parliament adopted the resolution by Mr Elmar BROK (EPP-ED, D) which outlines the possible ways of strengthening links with Asian countries. The House wants any state which does not subscribe to the notions of democracy and respect for human rights and the law to be excluded from EU programme and future meetings. Moreover, the Parliament recommends that the political pillar of the ASEM process should include a comprehensive approach on all conflict prevention and peace keeping, e.g supporting political dialogue between North and South Korea, as well as between China and Taiwan on the question of Taiwan. There is also an appeal to to increase diplomatic efforts to tackle the problems in the Middle East and Afghanistan. Lastly, the Commission and the Council are called upon to adopt comprehensive measures which will enable effective action to be taken against the main infectious diseases (AIDS, tuberculosis, etc.) which ravage the countries concerned. Measures should also be adopted which will safeguard the rights of women, prevent sex discrimination and combat female prostitution.�