Cambodia on ASEAN agenda after polls

Cambodia on ASEAN agenda after polls

MANILA (DPA): Cambodia's membership in the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) may be discussed before the
group's leaders hold a summit in December if a fair and peaceful
Cambodian election is held on July 26, a top Philippine official
said yesterday.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Lauro Baja said he expected
ASEAN to discuss Cambodia's membership during meetings in
preparation for the leaders summit, but not during the ASEAN
Ministerial Meeting on July 24 and July 25 in Manila.

During the ministerial meeting, which will take place before
the crucial poll, Baja said ASEAN would mention Cambodia in its
joint statement with the text "dwelling on the positive
developments on the holding of the elections".

Baja said ASEAN was satisfied with the preparations for
Cambodia's election, despite concerns over media access, some
irregularities in the registration of voters and poll-related
violence.