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U.S. may seek new influence in lower Mekong region+
Jul 19 04:31 AM US/Eastern
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PHUKET, Thailand, July 19 (AP) - (Kyodo)—A meeting among foreign ministers from the United States, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in Thailand next week may mark the beginning of a new try for influence in the subregion by the United States, observers suggested Sunday.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the other ministers are expected to discuss cooperation in the environmental, health and educational arenas, without including the other two players in the more formal Greater Mekong Subregion -- China and Myanmar.

Both Laos and Cambodia, according to some Association of Southeast Asian Nations diplomats, want China and the pariah state Myanmar included in the Thursday meeting, but it appears only the Lower Mekong states will join.

Last month, U.S. Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs Scot Marciel said Washington is most interested in a role in the Mekong region, particularly from a technical standpoint to coordinate challenges facing the four Lower Mekong countries.

A paper circulated for discussion by the United States, a copy of which was seen by Kyodo News, says the United States is seeking an agreement between the Mekong and Mississippi River commissions to pursue a partnership.

It also suggests discussions of a computer model looking at the consequences of climate change and other challenges to the Mekong River system which is being developed by the U.S. Geological Survey, efforts to leverage work combating HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases and public and private partnerships aimed at providing innovative educational opportunities through technology.

The suggestions mark a new interest in a region the United States paid little attention to over the past decade while China and Japan tried hard to increase their influence there.

In 1992, with Asian Development Bank assistance, China, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam set up the Greater Mekong Subregion to promote economic relations among the six countries.

The program has since contributed to the development of infrastructure, promoted the freer flow of goods and people in the area and helped the subregion gain international recognition as a growth area.

The meeting set for Thursday would appear aimed at continuing to promote growth, but with an emphasis on the four Lower Mekong states where the United States could perhaps have more influence.