The end of amateur performances

Ministers were not allowed to speak in Singapore

The head of Russian diplomacy Sergei Lavrov arrived in Singapore to participate in events of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). At the Russia-ASEAN meeting, joint actions for the coming years will be discussed. And at a session of the ASEAN regional security forum, the Russian minister will discuss with colleagues, including at a separate meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice,the nuclear problems of Korea and Iran.

Today in Singapore there will be an informal meeting of the foreign ministers of the six countries participating in negotiations on the Korean nuclear issue - the two Koreas, Russia, the United States, China and Japan. Condoleezza Rice will meet for the first time with the head of North Korean diplomacy, Park Eui-chun - she previously avoided communication with her colleague, although her predecessor Colin Powell met with him in 2004. ASEAN is also ready to take a step towards North Korea and accept it into the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (Treaty of Bali). It already includes Russia, China and India, as well as South Korea. Pyongyang will sign the agreement tomorrow.

Yesterday, the foreign ministers of the ASEAN countries were unable to reconcile Thailand and Cambodia. UNESCO's decision to approve Cambodia's bid to include the ancient Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage Site, announced in early July, sparked a strong reaction in Bangkok, with Thailand sending troops to the border area where the monument is located. Both countries claim the temple and the surrounding land of 4.6 square meters. km, although in 1962 the International Court of Justice gave this territory to Cambodia. Because of Thailand's actions, the Cambodian authorities are now asking the UN to convene an emergency meeting of the Security Council.

The Singaporean hosts canceled the traditional gala concert with the participation of foreign ministers who arrived at the event. ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan explained that “some delegations are preparing for the concert so seriously that it was inconvenient for the other participants to compete with them.” According to him, “it got to the point that some delegations kept their scripts secret and even rehearsed in the bathrooms in order to out-act the others.”

In 2005, Sergei Lavrov became the star of the amateur diplomatic show in Laos. He took the stage dressed as the interplanetary villain Darth Vader from the Hollywood film saga “Star Wars” and performed a song from the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar.” This time guests will be entertained by professional actors.

Alexander TIMOFEEV