STATE DEPARTMENT BRIEFING ON BURMA/

[moe@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Subject: STATE DEPARTMENT BRIEFING ON BURMA/ASEAN

FILE ID:97060208.TXT
DATE:06/02/97
TITLE:02-06-97  TRANSCRIPT:  STATE DEPT. NOON BRIEFING, JUNE 2, 1997


BURMA/ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH EAST ASIAN NATIONS (ASEAN) -- Dinger was
asked to comment on reports that ASEAN has decided to invite Burma to
become a member. Citing Burma's human rights abuses and role in
international narcotics trafficking, Dinger said: "We regret that
ASEAN appears to have invited Burma to join its organization at this
time."

He added that "at the same time, we now look to ASEAN to use its good
offices to urge the SLORC (The State Law and Order Restoration
Council) to seriously address our mutual concerns and urge the SLORC
to enter into a productive dialogue with democratic forces in Burma
(and) to cease its actions that damage stability in the region."

ASEAN members currently include Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines,
Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, and Vietnam.