As Cambodia's Second Prime Minister, Mr Hun Sen, went to Beijing seeking the support of King Sihanouk - whose son he deposed last month - ASEAN said it planned to organise informal peace talks between all parties. This was immediately welcomed by the king's son, Prince Norodom Ranariddh.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Cambodians massed at the Thai border as clashes between government forces and royalists intensified in north-west Cambodia. The Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which held a special meeting in Singapore, also called for free and fair elections by May 1998 and offered help in organising them.
The Philippines Foreign Secretary, Mr Domingo Siazon, said informal talks "involving all parties directly concerned" could be part of ASEAN efforts to bring peace.
Speaking in Bangkok, the prince said he was willing for Mr Ung Huot - the foreign minister named to succeed him - to take part. "I am ready to participate in an informal meeting with all the parties concerned, and if Mr Hun Sen wants to take Mr Ung Huot along, I will not say no," Prince Ranariddh said.
Mr Hun Sen arrived in Beijing with Mr Ung Huot, whom the king has called a "puppet". Shortly before, the king said he was willing to abdicate once he was sure that Mr Hun Sen would not criticise him for doing so. King Sihanouk has hinted his strong disapproval of Mr Hun Sen's actions.
ASEAN yesterday also delayed a decision on when to let Cambodia join the body but said its admission was just a formality.