ASEAN sets up panel on haze coordination
ASEAN sets up panel on haze coordination
17 August 2005
publishedby news.xinhuanet.com
KUALA LUMPUR — ASEAN has set up a panel of experts on fire and haze assessment and coordination to better tackle the haze pollution, local media reported Wednesday.
The panel would assess the situation during critical period of fires and haze and provide recommendations on how to facilitate immediate response and effectively mobilize resources in this region, ASEAN senior environment officials said after ending a meeting in the Malaysian state of Penang.
According to the meeting statement, the officials viewed with concern the fires in Indonesia which had caused haze problems in Sumatra, parts of Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand.
They recognized the importance of long-term preventive measuresas provided for in the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution and noted Malaysia’s efforts to assist Indonesia in putting out fires.
The officials reiterated the need for strict actions against those parties who set up fires indiscriminately.
In light of the drier weather conditions, the statement also urged ASEAN countries to remain vigilant and take effective measures to control the fire situation.
