مرد مجھے
Sticks Timis 19/9/20
Setback
to
Malaysia's bid to
join LG-mart
From Ytto TOON JOG
L
Y ONDON, Tucs,—The British Govern- ment has rejected request by Malaysia to sponsor her applica- tion for associate membership in the European Common Market.
A delegation from Ma- laysian High Commission In London was told of this recently by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
All the six countries in the European Economic Community had said no to the latest attempt by Ma- laysia to gain associate status.
According to a source, only the Netherlands was sympathetic. It had told Malaysia there was little chance of its application succeeding as the EEC exe- cutive commission wanted i to confine such membership only to the Mediterranean countries and former French colonies in Africa.
Britain's stand was in- fluenced by the Six's views and also by its desire not to jeopardise its own applica- tion for full membership.
Privileges
Malaysia had asked for associate status no less than that accorded to the Mediterranean members and former French lonies in Africa.
Co-.
These countries enjoy membership privileges SO wide that they are almost an extension of the EEC it- · self.
At present. the EEC 15 prepared to grant associate. membership to Common- wealth countries in he. African region.
Britain's refusal is not considered as final by the Malaysian Government.
source said: "More pressure may be brought on the British Government, as its own entry negotiations progress, to sponsor Ma- laysia's application."