Back to Listing (Download this transcript) (Edit) Q&A Live: Trade, Security and Development in Southeast Asia

When: Tuesday Apr 29, 2008 at 14:00 EDT
Guests:

Scot Marciel

Moderated By: Brandon Marc Higa (Moderator)
Description:

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Scot Marciel, East Asia and Pacific Bureau, responsible for relations with Southeast Asia and ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, joined us live on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. EST (18:00 - 19:00 GMT) to discuss the relationship between the United States and this important regional organization.  He discussed the close and productive relationship the U.S. and ASEAN have forged during the organization’s 30-year history. 

ASEAN represents a group of countries comprising 100 million people, the fourth largest market for the United States economically, and essentially an area of peace and tranquility.

Among the topics discussed included ASEAN's approval of a charter and its ambitious economic integration plan, the challenges in Burma and its impact on ASEAN, and the role of ASEAN within the context of United States regional interests in Southeast Asia.

Welcome State Alumni members to our Q&A Live discussion with Deputy Assistant Secretary Scot Marciel.  We are honored to have Deputy Assistant Secretary Marciel join us for this important conversation.  The Deputy Assistant Secretary is reviewing your questions now, and we will begin momentarily. Moderator
Welcome to our discussion.  The timing is perfect, as I just learned that the Senate today confirmed me to be the United States' first Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs.  I look forward to your questions. Scot Marciel

Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary Marciel,

As I am informed, you have just been appointed as the US Ambassador to ASEAN, the first US Ambassador to the organization. Does this mean that the United States now pays more attention to cooperation with ASEAN? Given the fact that Japan and ASEAN have just completed the signing of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (the AJCEP Agreement), regardless the situation in Burma/Myanma, does the United States plan to sign a similar agreement with ASEAN in a near future? If not, what major factors have prevented the United States to do so?

Thank you for your time and I eagerly await a response to my question. 

Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, Ph.D.
Lecturer, Faculty of International Studies
University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Vietnam National University - Hanoi

Thuy from Vietnam
The United States has enjoyed good relations with ASEAN for 31 years, but we are always looking to strengthen our cooperation.  The creation of the position of U.S. Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs reflects our recognition of the growing importance of ASEAN as an institution.  It is in our interests to see a strong and successful ASEAN, which can be a positive force for peace, stability, and prosperity, and which also can set high standards for its members in areas such as rule of law and human rights.  The ASEAN-U.S. Enhanced Partnership, announced by President Bush and the ASEAN leaders in 2005, set a clear framework for boosting cooperation.  In 2006, U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab signed a Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) with ASEAN Economic Ministers to begin a dialogue on trade and investment issues.  We greatly value our relationship with ASEAN, and I'm excited about all of the opportunities we have to work together. Scot Marciel

Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary Marciel,

Congratulations on your confirmation as the first American Ambassador to ASEAN! 

What do you foresee ASEAN's role being in maintaining regional security within the next few years?

Thank you for your time,

Best regards,
Brandon Marc Higa
Critical Language Scholarship - Korea, 2007

Brandon Marc from United States of America

In my view, ASEAN deserves a lot of credit for helping to maintain peace and stability in Southeast Asia over the past 30 years.  By providing a forum for leaders and senior officials from the region to meet and discuss issues before they become serious problems, ASEAN has helped create a positive environment that has allowed the region to enjoy peace and rapid economic growth.  Looking ahead, the United States is working with ASEAN and other countries in the ASEAN Regional Forum to address regional security issues.

Scot Marciel

Hello, Mr. Marciel!

My name is Anna, and I am  a current exchange student from Ukraine. I stay now with the family in Wisconsin. I am  very interested in international relationships, and I am planning on getting a major in this field after the high school. But now I am doing a research on the U.S. Foreign Relations for my US Challenges class.

To make a long story short, I would like to know some examples of U.S. policies toward concerning Southeast Asian countries. How have these policies changed in the past 10-15 years?

Thank you very much,

Anna.

:)

Anna from Ukraine
Our fundamental interest in Southeast Asia is that the region's nations remain strong and independent, that they enjoy increasing prosperity and freedom, and that they work with us as partners in addressing a wide range of regional and global challenges.  In that context, we have consistently supported reforms to strengthen democracy and promote economic development throughout the region.  More recently, we have increased our assistance programs to support our mutual interest in ASEAN's own economic integration plans.  We also have greatly expanded cooperation with the countries of the region to combat dangerous diseases, and to address critical education and environmental challenges. Scot Marciel

Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary Marciel,

To what degree do you foresee the U.S. being economically threatened by ASEAN regional integration and a (far off if ever) move to one currency? Is it feasible that the U.S. could be part of these talks to ensure against trade diversion? If so, what steps must be taken?

-- Justin Sloan, United States
Critical Language Scholarship - Korea, 2007

Justin from United States of America
We do not see ASEAN economic integration as a threat.  In fact, we see it as a great opportunity, and so does our private sector.  Economic integration should promote  rapid economic growth and greater prosperity by encouraging trade and making ASEAN a more attractive place to invest.  That is good for the people of Southeast Asia, but also good for us.  We will benefit from a stronger, more prosperous Southeast Asia, and from greater trade and investment flows, which will create jobs and wealth here and in the ASEAN region. Scot Marciel

Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary Marciel,

The recent saffron revolutions in burma called attention to the dire situation of the military dictatorship.  What is the role of ASEAN in encouraging reforms in Burma?

-- Justin Sloan
Critical Language Scholarship - Korea, 2007

Justin from United States of America

Burma's military rulers have harshly repressed their own people for decades, and also steadily driven down the country's economy, health and education systems, and other institutions through years of misrule and corruption.  The only solution we see is for the regime, which has no popular support or credibility, to reach out to the opposition and the ethnic minority groups, and begin a genuine dialogue that leads to a transition to a democratic government that will have the credibility and support to begin to address the country's problems.  ASEAN has a critical role to play in this process.  Many ASEAN nations already have called on the regime to release political prisoners and to begin a dialogue.  We think it is important that ASEAN continue to do this, and that it also encourage other countries in the region to use what influence they have to press the Burmese regime to begin a dialogue before the situation becomes even worse.

Scot Marciel

Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary Marciel,

Would you briefly describe the economic integration that ASEAN seeks to establish in its charter?  And what are the principle challenges that ASEAN faces in reaching its economic integration goals? 

Thank you,
Rebecca, United States

Rebecca from United States of America

ASEAN seeks to create a single, unified market by 2015.  ASEAN Leaders have adopted a blueprint to achieve this.  One of the most important goals is creation of the ASEAN Single Window, which would speed customs clearances and promote intra-ASEAN trade.  In seeking to achieve a single market, ASEAN faces many of the same challenges that other regions promoting economic integration face, such as protectionist pressures, concerns about sovereignty, and technical issues that often are difficult to solve.  We are impressed by ASEAN's political commitment to achieve this goal, and are pleased to offer support in the form of technical assistance.

Scot Marciel

Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary Marciel,

You are the first United States diplomat appointed to Vietnam before the U.S. and Vietnam normalized diplomatic relations. To your knowledge of Vietnam and ASEAN, how do you assess the role of Vietnam in ASEAN since the country joined the organization in 1995?

 

Thank you for your time and I eagerly await a response to my question.

 

Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, Ph.D.
Lecturer, Faculty of International Studies
University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Vietnam National University

Thuy from Vietnam
 Vietnam’s entry into ASEAN was a welcome step.  It helped bring one of the most important countries in the region into formal cooperation with its neighbors.  Since joining in 1995, Vietnam’s voice within ASEAN has grown stronger, as has its partnership with other members.  Our impression is that Vietnam supports a strong, active ASEAN.  We are working with Vietnam and other ASEAN members to support the group’s evolving cohesion and influence as an actor in international affairs. Scot Marciel

Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary Marciel,

    I recently heard about cooperation between the U.S. and Vietnamese governments in the environmental remediation of dioxin contamination associated with war-era herbicides at former U.S. airbases in Vietnam and addressing the health needs of surrounding communities. I was wondering how these efforts are progressing and if there were any plans to expand these efforts throughout the country?
    I heard the U.S. State Department, in particular the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, was instrumental in arranging this cooperation and was wondering if there has been any cooperation or are any plans for similar cooperation with the Laotian government regarding war-era unexploded ordinance in Laos?     

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
      
James Banfill, United States
Critical Language Scholarship - Korea, 2007 

James from United States of America

The United States and Vietnam have been cooperating on the issue of dioxin contamination since 2001.  The United States is working on plans to expand assistance related to Agent Orange and its contaminant dioxin, including U.S. funding for environmental remediation of dioxin “hotspots” in Vietnam, as well as health cooperation, capacity building, and humanitarian assistance in this area.  On May 25, 2007, President Bush signed a supplemental appropriations bill including $3 million for “dioxin mitigation and health activities” in Vietnam. 
The USG understands that the possible negative health effects of exposure to Agent Orange and its contaminant dioxin are of concern to the Government of Vietnam (GVN) and the Vietnamese people.  The USG does not recognize any legal liability for damages alleged to be related to Agent Orange.  Our position has long been that discussion of the effects of Agent Orange should be based on credible research that meets international standards.  We will continue to find constructive ways to work together to ensure the protection of Vietnam’s environment and the well-being of all Vietnamese people living with disabilities.
The USG and the GVN have formed a Joint Advisory Committee to consider possible activities, including scientific cooperation, technical assistance, and environmental remediation.
Information on USG Agent Orange-dioxin related efforts, including the Joint Advisory Committee, can be found at:  http://vietnam.usembassy.gov/pr020108.html
In Laos, unexploded ordnance removal (UXO) is an area in which the Lao and U.S. Governments cooperate closely.  Besides posing a threat to the Laotian people in impacted areas, explosive remnants of war also impede their access to agricultural land and disturb traditional land-use patterns. 

The United States is the single largest donor to the landmine and UXO clearance program in Laos, having contributed over $25,000,000 since 1995.

For more information on USG demining programs, please go to: http://www.state.gov/t/pm/rls/rpt/walkearth/2006/ and http://www.humanitariandemining.org/

Scot Marciel

Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary Marciel,

Burmese regime is not compliance with United Nations call for national reconciliation process. ASEAN leaders said they support Gambari's effort to solve Burma's problems. But some ASEAN leaders even praised the senior generals. Why are they maintaining "good" relationship with the junta?

Best,
Myint Oo (Burma)

Myint from Burma
I don't want to speak for ASEAN governments on this.  What I can say is that we have discussed the Burma problem extensively with ASEAN countries.  They have made clear, including in their public remarks, that they are deeply concerned about the situation in Burma.  They also have called on the Burmese regime repeatedly to take positive steps, including releasing political prisoners, initiating a genuine dialogue with the opposition and the ethnic minority groups, and cooperating with the United Nations.  It is striking to us that Burma's leaders have failed to listen to their fellow ASEAN members, or to the United Nations, or in fact to their own population. Scot Marciel

Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary Marciel,

On May 10, Burma will hold a national referendum on the recently released draft constitution. The ruling military junta is openly pushing for citizens to approve the document, while Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) is calling for a "no" vote. What is the U.S. position on Burma's draft constitution and referendum, and what role will ASEAN play in ensuring a fair poll?

Best regards,
Jim Platte
Critical Language Scholarship - Korea, 2007

James from United States of America
The United States consistently has called on the Burmese regime to initiate a meaningful and time-bound dialogue with the democratic opposition and ethnic minority groups, leading to a transition to a democratic government that can begin to address the country’s problems.  The regime’s draft constitution lacks credibility, as it was drafted in secret by a hand-picked group.  It is already clear that the regime’s constitutional referendum, scheduled for May 10, will be neither free, fair, nor credible.  Burmese authorities have suppressed all efforts by opponents of the constitution to mount a “no” vote campaign, arresting demonstrators, brutally attacking activists, denying the opposition access to the media, and exerting strong pressure on people to vote in favor of the constitution.  The regime also has rejected a United Nations appeal to allow international monitors.  A number of senior officials from other ASEAN nations have called on the regime to allow international monitors and to take other steps to enhance the referendum's credibility.  Unfortunately, the Burmese regime has ignored these requests. Scot Marciel
Thank you very much for your great questions.  I wish we had more time to discuss these issues further.  I would like to close by reiterating the United States' strong interest in continuing to expand its relations with ASEAN itself, as well as with the member nations of ASEAN.  Southeast Asia is an important, dynamic region with which we have long and close ties.  American society, as well as government, is heavily engaged in Southeast Asia, with thousands of links between people, schools, businesses, and civil society organizations.  We see tremendous opportunities to work together. Scot Marciel
Thank you, Deputy Assistant Secretary Marciel for participating in today’s Q&A Live and thank you alumni for your many thoughtful questions.  Congratulations again on your confirmation as the first U.S. Ambassador to ASEAN.  This has truly been an honor to speak with you on such an exciting day!  Moderator
Editor's Note: State Alumni moderators retain editorial control over Q&A Live online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests; guests may decline to answer questions.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests do not necessarily represent U.S. government policy.