House of Representatives Chair Agung Laksono told Asian parliament members Thursday developed countries must be responsible for causing the global economic downturn and help developing countries to mitigate negative consequences.
"We don't want poverty to increase because of this crisis," Agung said at the opening of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly in Jakarta.
The assembly brought together 219 members of 39 Asian parliaments. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono delivered the opening address.
Agung also called on parliament members to cooperate in addressing the impact of the global economic slowdown which could drag Asia into a deep crisis.
The liquidity crisis in the U.S., which began with widespread mortgage foreclosures, may well affect all economic sectors, he said. Swift response to end the problem is needed so we might prevent an economic tsunami, which would devastate livelihoods," he said.
He praised the recent G-20 meeting in which 20 heads of state --including Yudhoyono -- took part, saying it signaled a strong commitment to address liquidity shortages in financial markets.
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