His Excellency Mr. HOR Namhong, Senior Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, Chairman of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), on behalf of participating member-states and organization issues the following statement:

            The death toll of both foreign tourists and Indonesians claimed by terrorist bombing attacks in Bali, Indonesia, over the weekend sent a very shocking news all around the world.  It is always the innocent people, as in this case both the foreign tourists and Indonesians, who were victims from these barbarous crimes that resulted in the loss of hundreds of innocent lives.

            The member-states and organization participating in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) condemn these premeditated acts of terrorism in the strongest terms.  These most criminal acts of bombing have no justification whatsoever, and they must be fully condemned by every member of a civilized world.

            The member-states and organization participating in the ARF wish to extend their deep condolences and sincere sympathy to the Indonesian Government and the families of the victims of these tragic terrorist acts.

            The ARF, once again reaffirms its determination to further step up their cooperation and collective efforts to combat more effectively these barbarous crimes against humanity.

Phnom Penh, 16 October 2002