Hun Sen 'opposes' ASEAN expansion

Wed, 24 Nov 1999 | Source: AP

PHNOM PENH (AP): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen would be against allowing East Timor into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a magazine reported.

Hun Sen told Asiaweek in an interview posted on the magazine's website that he feared the addition of an independent East Timor could dilute ASEAN and affects its values.

He said that East Timorese leaders appear more inclined to align with Pacific countries than Southeast Asia.

Hun Sen likened the volatile situation in Indonesia -- ASEAN's largest member -- to the breakups of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia.

ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

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