Cambodian turmoil 'threatens region'

Cambodian turmoil 'threatens region'

JAKARTA (JP): The turmoil in Cambodia could affect stability
in the rest of Southeast Asia, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali
Alatas said yesterday.

Alatas said this was the main reason why the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) had decided last week to defer
admitting Cambodia as a member, originally scheduled for this
month.

The minister made the remarks to rectify an article in
yesterday's The Jakarta Post which cited him on the reason behind
ASEAN's decision, his chief spokesman Gaffar Fadyl said.

"Objectively, we see there has been quite a major change in
the constellation of the Cambodian government and politics, and
this change came about through the use of force.

"This change has created tension and raised the threat of a
prolonged armed conflict and the prospect of instability in
Cambodia.

"Given this condition, which could affect stability in
Southeast Asia, and not only in Cambodia, the wisest course (for
ASEAN) now is to momentarily defer admitting Cambodia as a full
member," Alatas said. (emb)