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.