Fed: PM Howard says Aust may yet attend Asian summit

AAP General News (Australia)
04-14-2005
Fed: PM Howard says Aust may yet attend Asian summit

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD says a move to separate an East Asian peace treaty from
other parts of a leaders' summit later this year could open the way for Australia to attend.

Leaders of the 10-nation ASEAN grouping say Australia must sign the non-aggression
pact as a condition of attending the summit, to be held in Malaysia in September.

Mr HOWARD's says Australia having no objection to the principle of the treaty, but
he believes it's based on an old diplomatic mindset and is not in Australia's interest.

He says he's been told the signing of the treaty will be just one of several parts of the summit.

Mr HOWARD says there's still time to work through the issues with other leaders in the region.

AAP RTV pjo/sb/bk/

KEYWORD: MALAYSIA HOWARD (CANBERRA)

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