ASEAN policy change possible

Wed, 01 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB | Source: AP

BANGKOK (AP): Thailand's call for the Association of Southeast
Asian Nations to reconsider its policy of non-interference in the
affairs of member states is supported by the regional grouping's
chief, the Thai Foreign Ministry said yesterday.

ASEAN Secretary-General Rodolfo Severino expressed his support
for a policy of "constructive intervention" after his meeting
with Thai Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan on Monday, said
ministry spokesman Kobsak Chutikul.

Severino was quoted by a Thai newspaper as saying that
circumstances in the international community do not allow any
country to live in isolation. He said member countries affected
by events in another country should speak out about the problems,
citing the regional financial crisis and pollution from forest
fires as two examples.

Kobsak said Severino's support is significant as he holds a
non-partisan position representing the interests of the grouping
as a whole.

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