ASEAN confident about U.S. ties

ASEAN confident about U.S. ties

MANILA (DPA): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) wrapped up a two-day meeting in the Philippines
yesterday, confident that Myanmar's entry into the regional group
would not jeopardize investment ties with the United States.

Melito Salazar, managing head of the Philippines' Board of
Investment, said Myanmar's entry into ASEAN along with Cambodia
and Laos in July was expected to enhance cooperation among
members and with other countries outside the group.

Salazar expressed confidence that Myanmar would institute
market reforms once it joins ASEAN, saying members were required
to follow all existing agreements in the group including accords
aimed at opening up local markets for foreign trade and
investment.

Western governments and international human rights groups have
expressed concern about ASEAN's decision to accept Myanmar,
fearing it might encourage Rangoon's military junta to disregard
human rights in continuing to assert strict control over its
population.