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

As it happens, the joint communique issued yesterday in Tokyo by Soviet Foreign Minister Eduard Shevardnadze and his Japanese counterpart suggests that the Kremlin's determined efforts to break into the Japanese vault is now beginning to bear fruit.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Scorecard For Moscow's 'Double Game' In Iraq

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

The communique said Arab nations around the Red Sea were principally responsible for security there and recommended establishing joint mechanisms between those countries to ensure the safety of shipping.

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