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PHILIPPINES: TYPHOON MAY AFFECT ASEAN SUMMIT December 8, 2006
Zainab Osman
(SomaliNet) A storm brewing near central Philippines could affect the gathering of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders next week in Cebu. The tropical depression, locally named Seniang, was about 1,000 kilometers east of Leyte Island and was forecast to make landfall Saturday, before moving toward Cebu on Sunday, according to the Philippine weather bureau.
State and government heads from the 10 ASEAN member countries will hold their 12th summit in the Philippines on Dec. 10-14. They will discuss vital regional and international issues with their counterparts from six ASEAN dialogue partners during the same period.
The Philippines is still recovering from typhoon-triggered rains and mudslides that left more than 1,000 people dead or missing.
Cebu is hosting the ASEAN Summit for the first time since the regional group was formed 39 years ago. "We were alerted (about the storm). Contingency plans are being laid," Cebu Province Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said at a press conference Thursday.
"It's possible that there may be some postponements in the activities. Those to be in an outside setting will be moved indoor, like the Plenary hall of the Cebu International Convention Center," she said.