Global perspective Human stories

Ban laments shutdown of summit for Asian leaders in Thailand

Ban laments shutdown of summit for Asian leaders in Thailand

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced deep regret on Saturday at the postponement of a gathering of Asian leaders in Thailand amid security concerns over mass protests in the area.

“I understand the circumstances that led the Thai Government to take this difficult decision,” Mr. Ban said following the cancellation of the summit of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the resort town of Pattaya.

Mr. Ban, who was to co-chair the summit with Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, said that he valued “the long-standing relationship between ASEAN and the United Nations and their cooperation in various fields.

“While I had hoped to have exchanges with the leaders of ASEAN and its dialogue partners, I continue to look forward to engaging again with them in the near future.”

The Secretary-General expressed hope for an early restoration of normalcy in Thailand and for the settlement of differences through dialogue and peaceful means.