Asean nations may face spells of haze

Unusually dry weather expected in the region

PHNOM PENH - Asean countries can expect drier-than-normal conditions during the second half of this year, which could lead to spells of haze, environment ministers from the grouping said yesterday.

The ministers were meeting here for two days to discuss greater efforts to monitor land and forest fires, prevent trans-boundary haze and strengthen law enforcement against those who harm the environment.

Indonesia, the ministers noted, had already stepped up measures in February to control open burning and court action had been taken against a number of plantation companies for the offence.

The ministers also expressed concern over the US government's position on the Kyoto Protocol.

The treaty calls on nations to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide from industries and transport, as well as five other gases, by 5.2 per cent of 1990 levels by the year 2010 in a bid to ward off extreme weather conditions brought on by global warming.

'The ministers were of the view that the provisions of the Kyoto Protocol should not be re-negotiated,' a press statement issued by the Singapore Ministry of Environment said.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said in his opening speech to the Asean representatives that environmental issues should be made a priority.

'The government of Cambodia is very concerned about global