CALIFORNIA, U.S. (FN), Feb. 16 — The U.S.-ASEAN summit was kicked off about two hours ago and is going on with strictly-organized security measures taken by the U.S. authorities amid, unlike in some ASEAN countries, quiet and peaceful demonstrations in the immediate vicinity of the summit venue.

The demonstrations were organized and participated by many different nationals that include Thai, Laotian, Cambodian and Burmese, but not in large numbers, close to the venue of the summit. There were also American citizens demonstrating against the U.S. government.

The summit meeting started in the evening of Monday, the U.S. time which is Tuesday morning by Cambodia time, a 15 hour-difference in time for the ASEAN leaders.
=FRESH NEWS