Laos Announces Burma Will Not Assume ASEAN Chair

Burma tells ASEAN it will not assume the chairmanship of the Southeast Asian grouping in 2006, citing preoccupation with the drafting of its constitution and the national reconciliation efforts.

Laos' Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Somsavad Lengsavat told a news conference today, July 26, on the second day of the 38th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Vientiane.

Listen to our Laos Today report for details.