Bangkok Post(1.4.99)

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Burma, Laos to be seen and not heard

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the European Union have
fixed the date for their meeting despite rows over Burma, German Ambassador
Hermann Erath said yesterday.
	Mr Erath said the meeting of senior officials from the two blocs had been
set on May  26  to 28 in Bangkok with Burma and Laos allowed to join on
conditions that they could not air their views. "They will be there but
they will not speak," the ambassador said. "They will be part but not as
active members of the cooperation."
	The Joint Cooperation Committee meeting reflected that the two groupings
had room for discussion despite their problem about Burma, he added.
	Burma and Laos joined Asean two years ago. The EU refuses to give visas
for Burmese officials and criticises human rights violations in Rangoon.