- Asean countries start to worry about partner Burma... "As the countdown to Burma assuming the rotating chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or Asean, in 2006 continues, even some of Rangoon?s neighbors are becoming nervous. Military-controlled Burma as a member of Asean is one thing, but if it becomes chairman the regional grouping stands to suffer even more damage to its image, and possible harm to its trading relations with western countries. Soon after being invited to join Asean in 1997, mainly as part of a move to include all 10 Southeast Asian countries in the grouping, Burma has proved a liability for some of its partners. With its longstanding military regime presiding over a distinctly undemocratic political system and allegedly allowing, if not taking part in, human rights abuses, it was an easy target for criticism from the United States and EU, backed by sanctions. With the regime showing no sign of easing its grip on power, other Asean countries have been thrust into a position of being more apologists for Burma than regional friends. As Singapore?s Foreign Minister George Yeo reportedly told parliament on March 4: ?Our hope is that the Asean spirit of consultation and consensus will enable us to find a solution for next year.?..."