Asian party delegates, converging in Beijing for the Third International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), vowed Saturday to enhance anti-corruption efforts to prevent damage to their organizations.

Edgado J. Angara, President of the Struggle of the Democratic Filipino, told a workshop at the three-day conference that corruption remains as the biggest threat to the democratic way of life.

"Nations with high incidences of corruption are mostly poor and face instability," he said, acknowledging that corruption foments social divisiveness, inequality and conflict.

When in power, political parties could have more influence on cracking down corruption, he said. However, "political parties lacking strong ideological commitments are more prone to corruption."

The president appealed to all countries to enhance their cooperation with international organizations such as the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption.

Declaration of the previous two ICAPPs both underlined the importance of anti-corruption.

Zamharir A. R., a delegate with the Golkar Political Party of Indonesia, said that the party members in parliament promoted anti-corruption laws and measures, and that use of party funds will be strictly audited.

Hermawi F. Taslim, Deputy Secretary General of the Central Board of the Nation Awakening Party of Indonesia said that local branches of his party will hold gatherings to discuss the threat of corruption and warn young members against it.

Indonesia set up a special commission last year to investigate public servants' corruption, and scores of officials are facing prosecution or sentencing, he said.

Mohammad Nabi Habibi, Secretary General of the Iranian Islamic Coalition Party, said that Iranian officials were "all clear" from corruption thanks to their unique religious education and improved standard of living.

(Xinhua News Agency September 5, 2004)