Malaysia blasts EU for canceling ASEM over rights concern

[dArKeR]

AP , KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Malaysia is criticizing the EU for canceling meetings with Asian economic and finance ministers because of their desire that Myanmar's military junta be included, calling the decision counterproductive.

Malaysia is one of Myanmar's strongest supporters and helped it gain membership to the 10-member ASEAN.

But the EU last week balked at letting Myanmar join the Asia-Europe Meeting, or ASEM -- an informal, 8-year-old economic and political forum designed as a counterweight to the US' strong ties with Asia.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2004/06/23/2003176189