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.