ASEAN MINISTERS TO DISCUSS NON-INTE

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19980708 
Asean ministers to discuss non-interference policy 

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FOREIGN ministers of the Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean) are
set to discuss a Thai proposal to end the policy of non-interference in one
another's internal affairs, a Philippine official said here yesterday. 

Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Lauro Baja said the foreign ministers, who
will meet here later this month, will discuss Thai Foreign Minister Surin
Pitsuwan's proposal that they review their policy of non-interference. 

Mr Baja said discussions on internal affairs could be taken up "if not in
the formal plenary sessions, then in the informal meetings like working
dinners". 

He added, however, that he did not expect an immediate consensus on the issue. 

"The foreign ministers are talking among themselves. It's very possible that
this will be one of the topics among the Asean foreign ministers," he said. 

Mr Surin last month suggested that Asean members, which traditionally avoid
delving into one another's affairs, should change this policy, adding that
this would result in greater flexibility which would help Asean recover some
of the clout it has lost due to the Asian financial crisis. 

Mr Baja also confirmed local newspaper reports that the Philippines was
already taking a position of "flexible engagement" with Asean member
Myanmar, aimed at helping avoid a political upheaval in that country. 

Asked if the foreign ministers would be issuing a statement on Myanmar
during the meeting in Manila, Mr Baja said "it all depends if all the
foreign ministers are watching the developments in Myanmar right now". 

Opposition groups in Myanmar said on Monday that serious social unrest was
set to erupt in that country amid rising tensions with government forces. --
AFP 


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