Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto G. Romulo said here Saturday that his counterparts of other Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN) countries "fully understood" the host's decision to move the date of 12th ASEAN summit to January 2007.

"All of those (foreign ministers) present expressed full support for the decision of the Philippine Government, as host country and in consultation with all those concerned, to move the dates of the Cebu Summits," Romulo said in a statement issued here Saturday.

The statement came just one day after the Philippine National Organizing Committee of the 12th ASEAN Summit decided to put off the Leaders' summits to January 2007 due to "major weather disturbance", referring to a possible typhoon that might hit Cebu exactly when leaders would arrive for the summits.

It is the first time in ASEAN history for the host to delay the leaders' summits because of the weather.

The decision to put off the summits "will allow us to better prepare for the Leaders' meetings," according to Romulo's statement.

"They (ASEAN foreign ministers) appreciated the concern the Philippine Government has shown for the safety and welfare of all the participants," he said, adding that they also fully understood that this decision will allow the Philippine Government to give its undivided attention to any effects this major weather disturbance may have on the parts of the Philippines it passes through.

Romulo added that he and other ASEAN foreign ministers had already started the process of consultations to determine the specific dates of the Cebu Summits this January.

"All of us were of the view that we should reset the ASEAN Foreign Ministers and other related meetings immediately before the meetings of the Leaders in January 2007 here in Cebu," said Romulo.

"We hope to announce these shortly," he said at a press conference held here.

Romulo said he had a breakfast-meeting with the ASEAN Foreign Ministers and other officials Saturday morning and the ministers reiterated that they are all eager and looking forward to visiting Cebu again in January 2007.

Romulo said he also hosted and chaired the dinner-meeting Friday night of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers as scheduled, and raise himself the issue of the possibility of resetting the dates of the leaders' meetings.

Romulo also took the chance during the press conference to thank Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, local officials and Cebuanos for all their efforts to prepare for the summits.

Source: Xinhua