'Tensions not to delay ASEAN bid'

'Tensions not to delay ASEAN bid'

PHNOM PENH (Reuter): Cambodian Co-Premier Prince Norodom
Ranariddh said yesterday that political tensions should not be
allowed to delay the country's bid for ASEAN membership in July
1997.

"The political tensions of Cambodia of course exist, but it is
no reason to delay entering into ASEAN," the first prime minister
told reporters yesterday before departing for today's ASEAN
summit in Jakarta.

Ranariddh said he expected ASEAN members would advise him on
resolving friction between himself and Second Prime Minister Hun
Sen, but asked that member nations leave Cambodia to sort out its
internal conflicts.

Hun Sen is also attending the summit and both premiers are
expected to return tomorrow.