Malaysia's foreign minister says members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have discussed with Burma the possible consequences of its assumption of the rotating chairmanship in 2006.
Syed Hamid Albar told reporters Wednesday that he doubts Burma would want to cast a negative light on ASEAN, as though it were not adhering to norms of democracy, rule of law, or human rights.
ASEAN foreign ministers are expected to discuss the chairmanship at a meeting next week in Laos.
The United States and European Union have threatened to boycott ASEAN meetings if Burma takes the chair, citing its poor human rights record.
The United States and numerous other nations have demanded Burma approve democratic reforms and release all political prisoners, including democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Information for this report is provided by AP and Reuters.
