ASEM summit on track: Vietnam

ASEM summit on track: Vietnam

VIETNAM: Vietnam said it is pushing ahead with preparations for a Europe-Asia meeting in October that is beset with doubts because of European opposition to the attendance of military-ruled Myanmar.

The European Union (EU) wants to block Myanmar from the Asia- Europe Meeting (ASEM) on Oct. 8-9 that Asian countries say should also include Cambodia and Laos besides the 10 nations that acceded to the EU on May 1.

"Preparation for ASEM 5 is being carried out actively and urgently," a statement from Vietnam's Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Dung said on Thursday.

"Most of the leaders of the member countries have accepted the invitation to come to the summit," he said. -- Reuters