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Burma tippled to join ASEAN.
Burma tippled to join ASEAN
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ASEAN faces a tough decision over the admission of Burma, but the
group's determination not to be dictated to by the West will finally tilt
the balance Singapore's leading newspaper said today.
"Myanmar's admission to the Association of South-East Asian
Nations is a delicate issue for the grouping," commented The Straits
Times, which often reflects official thinking.
Myanmar is the official name of army-ruled Burma, condemned by
the United States and western Europe for widespread human rights abuses.
Washington, which slapped a ban on US investments in Burma last
week, is trying to persuade ASEAN to turn down Burma's application over
its 'woegul' human rights performance.
In an editorial, The Starits Times said ASEAN's policy of
'constructive engagement" towards Burma and the effectiveness of American
sanctions was not in question.
"The real question is whether the world is ready for an ASEAN
with Myanmar as a member," the newspaper said.
"It has arisen because of the hardline position against Myanmar
taken by the United States and Western Europe.
"The delicacy of the issue stems not least from ASEAN's adherence
to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other
countries."
ASEAN foreign ministers are meeting this month to discuss Burma's
admittance, expected to come in July or September.
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In Rangoon, Burma's army chief of staff, Lieutenant General Tin Oo, said
traitors within the country are turning into "terrorists" with foreign
backing.
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[AFP, Reuter, 1 May 1997].
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