Doubts On Myanmar Entry Into Asean

Leaders of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) had indicated they had reached an understanding to admit Burma, along with Cambodia and Laos, at the groups 30th anniversary meeting in Kuala Lumpur in July.

Senior officials in Asean countries have repeatedly made it clear that objections by the US and EU over Burmas human rights record would have no influence on when Rangoon was inducted.

But only two days before a key meeting in Kuala Lumpur which had been due to prepare for the three countries entry, Aseans seven member nations have been unable to reach a consensus, officials in several Asean countries said.

If the three do not gain membership at the Asean ministerial meeting on July 24-25, the next opportunity for entry would be an informal summit scheduled for December this year.

Reflecting the recent shift within the organisation, Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysias acting Prime Minister, Saturday retreated from a statement made in April by Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the Prime Minister, that the three countries should enter the organisation in July.