The New Nation - Internet Edition

Reuters, Singapore

Ten Southeast Asian leaders signed a historic charter on Tuesday that aims to create an economic bloc encompassing a half-billion people, but controversy over Myanmar threatened to spoil the ASEAN party.

Under the crystal chandeliers of the Shangri La hotel ballroom, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was first to sign the charter that speaks of democracy and human rights.

He was followed by the leaders of the young democracies of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines; the leaders of one-party states Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam; the absolute monarch of Brunei and the head of the Thai military junta that overthrew a democratically elected Thai government. "The new charter will be of benefit to all members. It is a historic moment, because the new charter will address ongoing challenges and opportunities," President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono told Reuters as he walked the red carpet to the signing stage.

Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein stood stiff and stern throughout the ceremony of the 13th ASEAN summit. Of the other leaders, only Philippine President Gloria Arroyo managed a smile.