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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