MYANMAR CAJOLES SAARC, EYES MEMBERSHIP

By P. Vijian

THIMPHU, April 29 (Bernama) -- Military-ruled Myanmar is cozying up to South
Asian leaders to entice deeper ties.

One of the oldest members of the 10-member Asean grouping, it has expressed
interest to ramp up closer relations with the South Asian Association for
Regional Cooperation (SAARC) -- a region to which the country has century-old
cultural and trade ties.

"In view of the geographical proximity, cultural and historical linkages, we
have a strong desire to promote closer relations with SAARC member states. That
is why we have joined SAARC as an observer.

"Myanmar's close cooperation with SAARC will provide us the opportunity to
serve as the gateway for South Asia to Southeast Asia, and also to East Asian
countries for the common benefit of the people in the region," U Nyan Win,
Myanmar's Foreign Affairs Minister said in his speech at the 16th SAARC Summit
in Thimphu.

Myanmar, for the first time, became an observer country at this summit,
among
other nations -- including Australia, Iran, and Japan. South Korea, Mauritius
and the United States.

Last year, reports had surfaced that Myanmar, isolated by the
international
community for its poor human rights records and choppy relations with some
Asean members, had signaled to be part of the SAARC grouping.

Myanmar military leaders, who are more close to India and Pakistan, had
expressed interest to become a full member in 2008, but currently, it is
accorded observer status.

India, with close trade and historical ties with Rangoon, was reported to be
backing Myanmar's entry into SAARC.

-- BERNAMA