DATE=5/11/2000 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE=ASEAN-NORTH KOREA (L) NUMBER=2-262217 BYLINE=GARY THOMAS DATELINE=BANGKOK CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: North Korea has formally applied to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' regional security forum. The reclusive nation has embarked on a gradual series of moves to end its international isolation. As VOA Southeast Asia correspondent Gary Thomas reports, the application is being welcomed by the regional powers. TEXT: Long a pariah in the Asian neighborhood, North Korea is now seeking to reach out to its neighbors in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN. Officials in Thailand say North Korea has lodged an application to become a member of the ASEAN Regional Forum, the premier consultative forum on East-West and regional security issues. The move is not a total surprise, however, as Thailand said last month that North Korea had expressed a strong interest in joining the ASEAN Regional Forum. The forum is made up of the 10 ASEAN member states and its 12 "dialogue partners." The partners include South Korea, Japan, the United States, and the European Union. If admitted, North Korea would have the same status. Thai officials say the application appears to have widespread support. Thai foreign minister Surin Pitsuwan calls it good news for regional peace and stability. Thailand is the current chair of ASEAN. North Korea's application could be voted on as early as July, when ASEAN foreign ministers meet in Bangkok, followed by a regional forum meeting. Senior forum officials are scheduled to have a preparatory meeting in Bangkok next week, and North Korean officials may participate. The move is widely seen as an attempt by North Korea to break out - however tentatively - of its long isolation. Earlier this week, North Korea and Australia reestablished diplomatic relations. And, in an historic move, leaders of the divided Korean peninsula will hold a summit meeting next month. Relations between Pyongyang and many of its Asian neighbors have been rocky. Last year, North Korean agents in Thailand attempted to kidnap one of Pyongyang's own diplomats, who had been accused of embezzling millions of dollars. The attempt failed, and five North Koran diplomats were ordered to leave the country. The case remains murky, but North Korea is still asking Thailand to extradite the diplomat over the alleged theft of funds. (SIGNED) NEB/GPT/FC 11-May-2000 05:04 AM EDT (11-May-2000 0904 UTC) NNNN Source: Voice of America .
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