The last Asean summit in July broke up acrimoniously, without a joint communique, with China facing accusations of using its clout to force host Cambodia to keep the territorial issue off the agenda.

BBC: Obama at Asean summit urges nations to ease sea rows

When Mr. Bush and Mr. Gorbachev met in Helsinki in September and the Soviet leader seemed to rule out the use of force at a news conference after the meeting, Administration officials referred reporters to the joint communique, which said the two sides would consider "additional steps" if Iraq refused to withdraw.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

'In a recent visit by Mr Blatter to Tunis, he agreed that a joint bid is possible once the principles of co-hosting are in place, ' the communique added.

BBC: By Durosimi Thomas