YANGON Nov 10:TheSecre tary General of the Asiwx-lallon of Southeast Asian Nations said Saturday that Myanmar appeared to be well-advanced in making preparations to join the regional body. reports AP.

Ajit Siiufh was speaking al a news conference marking the end of an eight-day visit to assess the country's readiness to Join ASEAN, which includes Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines. Singapore. Thailand and Vietnam.

Myanmar was granted observer status in the organisation this year, and has applied to become a full member next year.

Normally, applicant countries serve al least two years as observers before being admitted as full members. Cambodia anil Laos are scheduled to be admit ted as full members next year after several years with observer status.

Myanmar's case is complicated because critics of its niitl-tafy government say granting It early membership would amount to tacit approval of its repression of the country's democratic opposition, led by Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

Singh said his delegation was "pleasantly surprised that Myanmar is fairly advanced in preparations for entry Into ASEAN. Myanmar is almost ready and all agreements ASEAN has had. Myanmar has no difficulty acceding to them."

Myanmar is the official name given Burma by the ruling junta, which took power in 1988.