Vietnam says
Vietnam says ASEM summit on track
VIETNAM: Vietnam said it is pushing ahead with preparations for a Europe-Asia meeting in October that is beset with doubts because of European opposition to the attendance of military-ruled Myanmar.
The European Union (EU) wants to block Myanmar from the Asia- Europe Meeting (ASEM) on Oct. 8-9 that Asian countries say should also include Cambodia and Laos besides the 10 nations that acceded to the EU on May 1.
"Preparation for ASEM 5 is being carried out actively and urgently," a statement from Vietnam's Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Dung said on Thursday.
"Most of the leaders of the member countries have accepted the invitation to join the summit," he said. --Reuters
;AFP;APS; ANPAu..r.. ASEAN-Thailand-Thanom-obit Infamous Thai dictator Thanom dies aged 92 JP/9/ASEAN
Former Thai dictator Thanom, 92, dies
THAILAND: One of the most controversial figures of modern Thai history, former prime minister and coup leader Thanom Kittikachorn, has died in Bangkok aged 92, hospital officials said on Thursday.
The former field marshal and military strongman died on Wednesday night of complications leading to heart failure after undergoing brain surgery earlier this year, a Bangkok Hospital official said.
Born on Aug. 11, 1911, Thanom rose through the ranks of the Thai military before being briefly appointed as the country's 10th prime minister in 1958 during a period of authoritarian military rule.
In 1963 Thonom was again placed in the country's top post, a position he retained until 1973 when he stepped down following his government's brutal suppression of student demonstrations. --AFP
;AFP;APS; ANPAu..r.. ASEAN-Malaysia-crime Foreigners overcrowding Malaysian prisons: minister JP/9/ASEAN
Foreigners flood Malaysian prisons
MALAYSIA: The number of foreigners jailed in Malaysia is so high that prisons are becoming overcrowded, a minister complained on Thursday.
"We have built jails for Malaysians. Now there are more foreign prisoners than Malaysians in our jails and lockups," Deputy Internal Security Minister Noh Omar told the Bernama news agency.
From January to May this year a total of 65,737 foreigners were arrested for various criminal offenses, including murder, attempted murder, armed robbery and rape, he said.
"We should not view lightly the problems created by foreigners. Previously they came for an honest living and jobs were easily found. Now their numbers multiplied and illegal immigrants are mostly involved in criminal activities," he said. --AFP