Media Reaction: Asia-Africa summit in Jakarta;

UNCLAS DHAKA 001953 SIPDIS FOR I/FW, B/G, IIP/G/NEA-SA, B/VOA/N (BANGLA SERVICE) STATE FOR SA/PAB, SA/PPD (LSCENSNY, SSTRYKER),SA/RA, INR/R/MR, AND PASS TO USAID FOR ANE/ASIA/SA/B (WJOHNSON) CINCPAC FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR, J51 (MAJ TURNER),J45 (MAJ NICHOLLS) USARPAC FOR APOP-IM (MAJ HEDRICK) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KMDR OIIP OPRC KPAO PREL ETRD PTER ASEC BG OCII SUBJECT: Media Reaction: Asia-Africa summit in Jakarta; Dhaka Summary: Commenting on the Jakarta summit, "Ittefaq" hopes that the summit will be able to bridge the differences between China and Japan while "Sangbad" hopes that the new partnership may play a major role in bargaining in the WTO. -------------- Asia-Africa Summit in Jakarta -------------- "The Afro-Asian summit" Conservative Bangla language newspaper "Ittefaq" editorially comments 4/26): India and China have massive influence over Afro-Asian countries. After the first Bandung summit fifty years ago, they became allies, but later turned into foes. The situation has changed. The two countries have now greatly improved their relations. During the second summit of the Afro-Asian nations, the rift in relations between China and Japan was noticeable. China is the biggest nation in Asia and Japan is the most prosperous. It is yet to be seen whether the Jakarta summit will be able to bring about an understanding between them. -------------- "The Historic Agreement at the Afro-Asian Summit" Pro-opposition Bangla language newspaper "Sangbad" editorially comments (4/26): After the summit in Jakarta, nations of Asia and Africa signed a "New Strategic alliance." After the first summit in Bandung, the population in Asia and Africa has increased greatly. Incomes have increased in the region, but so has poverty. At least half of the populations in Africa and Asia live in poverty and deprivation. The new partnership may play a major role in bargaining, including with the WTO, in this age of globalization. The new Asian-African partnership will generate hope among the people. The Jakarta summit will be successful if nations of the two continents are able to overcome their conflicts and devote efforts to achieving progress and eradicating poverty. Chammas