Asia-Pacific leaders recalled formerIndonesian president Suharto’s strengths, praising him after his death Sunday for modernizing his country and for promoting regional unity - despite a “less than desirable” human rights record.Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said Suharto played a critical role in building the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, the 10-country bloc that has increased the region’s influence in global politics.
“As one of the founding fathers of ASEAN, President Suharto was among those who had the pioneering vision of establishing a more peaceful, progressive and prosperous Southeast Asian region founded on respect and understanding,” Arroyo said in a statement fromDubai, where she was traveling.