41.   Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad told visiting Burmese leader General Than Shwe on Monday he wants to see Burma become a member of ASEAN by next year.

42.   Singh, accompanied by senior ASEAN officials, will hold discussions with Burmese Foreign Minister Ohn Gyaw and other Burmese leaders, the ASEAN statement said.

43.   Thai Foreign Minister Krasae Chanawongse left here Friday for a two-day visit to Rangoon and talks with Burmese leaders.

44.   The Burmese leader is scheduled to visit an electronics factory Thursday.

45.   The EU last year banned visits by Burmese leaders as part of sanctions imposed following a fresh crackdown on the opposition by the junta.