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Asia Pacific foreign ministers meeting in Shanghai

Asia Pacific foreign ministers are meeting in the Chinese city of Shanghai today to approve what's been described as a strong statement condemning terrorism.

But Graeme Dobell reports there's to be no reference to the United States' action against Afghanistan, because of the political problems this would pose to Indonesia and Malaysia:

"The Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, says Indonesia and Malaysia have to be silent about military action against Afghanistan because of domestic pressures: "They're not condemning the military attacks, they are being cautious in how they handle that issue for domestic reasons." Mr Downer says the September 11 terrorist attacks are a cloud hanging over the Asia Pacific summit. But, the foreign minister says APEC must also confront the economic recession overtaking Asia.

18/10/01 11:01:50 | ABC Radio Australia News

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