Cambodia to join ASEAN in 1997

Cambodia to join ASEAN in 1997

PHNOM PENH (AFP): Cambodia's foreign minister insisted
yesterday he was determined the country should apply to meet its
1997 goal for full membership of the Association of South East
Asian Nations (ASEAN), despite concerns the deadline might have
to be put back.

In order to meet the self-imposed goal, Cambodia must apply
for full membership by July when ASEAN foreign ministers meet in
Jakarta.

"We will definitely apply before July," Foreign Minister Ung
Huot said. "There is no question about that and no indication
that we will delay the application."

Ung Huot's comments followed more cautious appraisals of
Cambodia's readiness to join the seven-member regional economic
grouping after the departure of an ASEAN fact-finding delegation
that was assessing the country's preparations for membership.