The Nation - Chuan won't raise Burm

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Subject: The Nation - Chuan won't raise Burma row at Asean

The Nation - Oct 18, 1999.
Headlines
Chuan won't raise Burma row at Asean

PRIME Minister Chuan Leekpai yesterday dismissed speculation that he would
bring up the country's tension with Burma at an Asean forum, saying Thailand
could solve the problem on its own.

Chuan was speaking before leaving for Singapore, where he will attend the
World Economic Forum which kicks off today. Chuan met Singaporean Prime
Minister Goh Chok Tong and will also hold talks with Malaysia's Prime
Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations also includes Brunei,
Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam.

Chat Thai Party leader Banharn Silpa-archa said yesterday that using the
Asean forum to help mediate a solution to disputes among members could be an
appropriate approach. But he warned that Asean's reason for being was not to
mediate in the domestic affairs of its members. However, ''to force Asean to
issue a statement taking a stand on certain disputes among members is
impossible'', he said.

Bangkok-Rangoon ties nose-dived after five armed Burmese stormed the embassy
earlier this month and took 39 hostages. All were set free the following day
and the rebels were given safe passage to the border.

Since then, Rangoon has sealed its border with Thailand and suspended
licences for Thai fishermen. It also issued a veiled demand that the five
rebels be arrested before relations could get back on track.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sukhumbhand Paribatra, enraged by Burma's actions,
said neighbouring countries like Singapore and Malaysia, which had
intermittent bilateral problems, had never sought to close their borders.

Chuan met Goh yesterday to discuss ways to strengthen ties between the two
countries and the regional situation, including East Timor.

He said after the meeting that the United Nations' involvement in East Timor
was essential to the recovery of the territory.

However, he admitted the future role and financial commitment of the UN in
East Timor was uncertain, but that the organisation had a responsibility to
act.

Thailand was willing to assist a UN peace-keeping force but had limited
financial resources to do so.

Speculation has grown that an Asean member would become commander of a UN
peace-keeping force, especially after Australia said it wanted one of
Indonesia's Asean neighbours to lead the force.

The peace force will take over from the Australian-led multinational
intervention force, Interfet, which was sent to restore peace and security.

But this can only be done after Indonesia's parliament ratifies East Timor's
Aug 30 referendum choosing independence.

During his two-day trip in Singapore, Chuan is expected to pay a courtesy
call on newly-elected President S R Nathan.

He is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the Geneva-based World
Economic Forum's East Asia summit, which will run over three days.

Chuan last visited Singapore in March 1993 during his earlier term as prime
minister.

The Nation, Agencies