Australian PM backs off on peace pact opposition in return

[News Manager]

AFP - Prime Minister John Howard's point-blank refusal to sign an ASEAN non-aggression pact softened after he received a tentative assurance that inking the treaty would allow Australia to become a full member of an emerging East Asia regional grouping.

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20050415/wl_asia_afp/australiaaseaneasiasummit]Read more...[/url]