Indonesia requests renegotiation of ACFTA with China; Thai PM insists that there was no need for a mediator to deal with the country’s row with Cambodia; Gen. Than Shwe: ‘free and fair’ elections will soon be held; Key Suu Kyi aide released
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  • Reports noted that the Indonesia has requested the Chinese government to re-negotiate the terms of the ASEAN-China Free Trade agreement (ACFTA) which was signed in 2004 and was being implemented from January 1, 2010. The ACFTA introduced zero tariffs on 6682 tariff posts in 17 sectors, including in manufacturing, agriculture, mining and the maritime sectors.1

    Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva stated that there was no need for a mediator to deal with his country’s current strained relationship with Cambodia. Abhisit added that a solution was possible if the two countries respected each other’s position.2

    Myanmar’s military ruler Senior Gen. Than Shwe assured that ‘a free and fair’ election will soon be held. The National League of Democracy on its part was yet to confirm its participation in the proposed election.3 Detained Aung San Suu Kyi has also questioned the credibility of such elections unless freedom of information was allowed by the authorities.4 In a significant development, Tin Oo, a key aide of Suu Kyi was freed after seven years of detention.5

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