Myanmar dodges Asean row

Myanmar's military Government could give up its planned chairmanship of the club of Southeast Asian nations as a way out of a controversy over its human rights record, diplomats say.

Yangon's assumption of the rotating annual chair of the Association of South East Asian Nations next year has threatened the bloc's unity, with some members concerned about the possible damage to Asean's image and influence.

Washington and Europe have threatened not to attend any Asean meetings hosted by Myanmar and the US has said it may withhold funding to several development projects in the region.