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S'PORE PAPER SAYS JUNTA ON PROBATIO



Subject: S'PORE PAPER SAYS JUNTA ON PROBATION IN ASEAN

S'PORE PAPER SAYS JUNTA ON PROBATION IN ASEAN
4.6.97/THE NATION
AFP

SINGAPORE - Military-ruled Burma is on "probation" in the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), and its ruling
generals should be taught to stay in line, Singapore's leading
newspaper said yesterday.

Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto's remarks that the
Burmese State Law and Order Restoration Council (Slorc) should
not regard Asean membership as a form of pardon "can be the
grouping's watchword," The Straits Times said.

"Burma is on probation; nothing more, nothing less," the daily,
which often reflects official thinking in Singapore, said in an
editorial on Asean's decision last week to induct Burma, along
with Cambodia and Laos, in July.

Asean groups Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Foreign ministers of the seven member countries decided in Kuala
Lumpur on Saturday to expand the group in July, shrugging off
Western pressure to keep Burma out.

Rangoon, in welcoming its acceptance, only referred to economic
cooperation but the generals should be "made to learn that it is
not in their interest to let Asean down with actions that are
beyond the pale," The Straits Times said. The inclusion of Burma,
Cambodia and Laos would "bring to fruition the Asean founders'
fond hope ... that all of Southeast Asia be banded together one
day in advancing common interests+" the paper said. 
     
The editorial, entitled "Not a pardon for Myanmar," said Burma's
simultaneous entry with Cambodia and Laos would benefit the
grouping despite misgivings.

"With the three newest members .., Southeast Asia will become a
production centre and market of 500 million people when
protective tariffs are brought down gradually," it noted.

"But Asean is also about human decency," the paper opined. "Here,
it essentially means the responsibility of member governments to
give their people the best deal possible, and to be respectful of
their rights.

"On its record of political persecution and denying the people
the results of a free election in 1990, the military junta of
Burma brings odium to Asean's fair name."

Burma has been under attack from the United States and other
Western nations for human rights abuses. Washington had asked
Asean to shut the door on the military-ruled nation.

     
But Asean follows a policy of "constructive engagement" with
Burma which the grouping believes would result in reforms through
diplomacy and gentle persuasion.