EU to hold talks with ASEAN in '96

EU to hold talks with ASEAN in '96

BRUSSELS (Reuter): The European Union no longer expects to hold a summit meeting with ASEAN leaders this year, but expects the event to take place in early 1996, according to EU sources.

Singapore suggested last year that a summit be held between the 15-nation EU and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to discuss the blocs' economic links.

The idea had been floated of holding the meeting in December, but the EU sources say that is now unlikely because an ASEAN summit will also be held that month, in Bangkok.

The venue for the EU-ASEAN summit is also in question. Thailand had been considered, but may find that difficult as it will also host the ASEAN summit.