Patience needed for ASEAN expansion

Thus far, ASEAN's regional stability has been secure because each of its members has been able to maintain its own national stability, while avoiding conflicts with other members by encouraging cooperation. The current armed conflict in Cambodia, which threatens to develop into a full-scale civil war, demonstrates that for the present that country is unable to sustain its national stability. The prevailing political crisis in Myanmar indicates that the national stability of this prospective ASEAN member is still unstable.

If admitted as ASEAN members, the precarious situation in these countries would be a threat to ASEAN's regional stability. It is therefore appropriate that Cambodia -- and also Laos and Myanmar -- demonstrate their ability to sustain their stability.

ASEAN's achievements have been most impressive and should be fostered further. It needs time and patience to realize the ambition of including all the countries of Southeast Asia in ASEAN's fold.

-- Surabaya Post