The Philippine government is expecting the response of the nine Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders and its six dialogue partners next week on the proposed Jan. 10 to 15 schedule of the delayed 12th ASEAN summit and 2nd East Asia summit.

Luis Cruz, Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs, said Friday he personally handed over to the ASEAN envoys Manila's formal letters of notice on the new summit schedule during a meeting on Thursday.

Cruz said the regional group's dialogue partners China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and India, were likewise informed of the proposed schedule for the summits.

"We are expecting their response anytime next week. If they will all agree to the schedule then we will have the summit on Jan. 10 to 15 in Cebu," Cruz said in a chance interview.

Cruz expressed optimism that all leaders would be able to attend the high-level meeting amid their tight schedules.

Summit organizers insisted that the summits were canceled due to a typhoon and not the perceived terror attacks and the travel warnings issued by the United Statess, Britain and some other Western countries.

They also dismissed reports that the brewing political tension in Manila over moves to change the Constitution is the main reason for the summit's postponement.

Source: Xinhua