HONG KONG, May 2: Despite widespread criticism of its human rights record and US opposition, Burma may still find its way into the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year.

Among the reasons being advanced for inclusion of Burma as full ASEAN member is that the country is important to the regional economic group for strategic reasons. Malaysian Foreign Minister Abdullah Badawi said on Sunday ``we have all agreed not to leave Burma behind. Otherwise, the situation may deteriorate to a point that will jeopardise the stability of the region.''

But Western diplomats caution that Burma's entry into ASEAN could strain the group's unity, undermine the respect it has earned in the West and compound the problems it faces in creating an ASEAN free trade area over the next few years.

Burma could be admitted as early as July at ASEAN's annual meeting. ASEAN last year decided to admit Burma, Cambodia and Laos as members at the same time. Malaysia, chairman at this year's annual meeting, has been adamant that Burma should enter ASEAN this year as the grouping celebrates its 30th anniversary.

ASEAN foreign ministers will meet in Kuala Lumpur on May 31 to decide whether to admit the three at the July meeting or at an informal summit in the Malaysian capital in December or later

. Some analysts have suggested that political and economic instability in Cambodia could allow the group to postpone Burma's admission while saving face.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.