'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.