REGIONAL ARMS REGISTER

Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Minister for Defence if he will comment on the formation of a Regional Arms Register in the context of the ASEAN Regional Forum.

The Minister of State for Defence (RAdm Teo Chee Hean) (for the Minister for Defence): Mr Speaker, Sir, the first ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) was concluded successfully in Bangkok in July this year. The participants agreed to meet annually to discuss security issues relevant to the Asia Pacific region. We are happy with the outcome of the Bangkok meeting and we hope that over time the process will be institutionalised and serve as an effective mechanism to prevent conflicts in the region. The ARF will be a channel for members to discuss security issues, including preventive measures, which will enhance the prospects for regional peace.

Transparency and confidence building measures contribute significantly to enhancing regional security. Several proposals to promote transparency were made at the ARF in Bangkok. Such proposals are good and, if realised, would certainly contribute to peace and stability. However, we should not rush these issues. It is important that the momentum of the ARF is sustained and the various ARF participants feel comfortable to discuss difficult security issues raised before concrete proposals are considered. A step-by-step approach is useful in this regard for we do not want participants to abandon the ARF process just because they are not comfortable with the pace at which the ARF is being developed. It may be counter-productive to force the pace of the ARF process.

Singapore supports the concept of an arms register. In fact, Singapore has been reporting its arms acquisitions to the UN Arms Register (UNAR) which was established two years ago, even though reporting is not mandatory. We sponsored the UN resolution which proposed this mechanism. We also secured a place in the 1994 UN Expert Panel convened to look into how the UNAR could be made more effective. Our experiences tell us that it will take time for states to be comfortable and support transparency measures. For instance, for 1992, the first year of UNAR's operations, of the 184 UN members, only 89 submitted returns while for 1993, so far, only 77 members have submitted returns. These returns suggest that a significant portion of UN members are still uncomfortable with declaring their arms acquisitions for the year. It will take time but I believe that eventually all nations will be convinced of the merit of reporting to the UNAR.

The Regional Arms Register concept is a useful proposal and, if successfully established, will contribute to regional confidence. But just as in the case of the UNAR, it must be introduced only when all regional members recognise its importance and its relevance in promoting peace and stability in the region. Even if agreement can be reached on the concept, members will then have to agree on the details and the reporting mechanism. These are complex issues which must be managed in a manner acceptable to all regional countries. The best approach would be to reach consensus on the concept first and then work out the details and procedures, taking into account the views, consideration and national interests of all participating countries.