Myanmar and ASEAN<\/p>\n
We wish to give clarification on AFP's Mr. Lescot's report on
\nMyanmar (The Jakarta Post, Feb. 7, 1995).<\/p>\n
From our freedom in 1948 to today, all Myanmar governments
\nhave consistently and sincerely pursued relations with other
\ncountries on the basis of the five principles of peaceful co-
\nexistence, and the principles of the UN Charter; the fundamentals
\nof which are non-interference, sovereignty, mutual-benefit,
\nEquality and mutual respect.<\/p>\n
This implies that no \"superior\" or distorted comments are made
\nabout another sovereign nation and its government. All ASEAN
\nNations adhere to these principles, which are also ASEAN
\nprinciples, in their bilateral relations. Even the press in the
\nASEAN countries abide by these unwritten rules, and the
\ncourtesies are also extended to other non-member, but important,
\nAsian nations. We assume this to be an Asian self-regulatory
\nprocess.<\/p>\n
Though my government has not applied as yet to join ASEAN we
\nconsider ourselves to be very much a Southeast Asian nation, and
\nsystematic steps will be taken toward a 10-member ASEAN in the
\nfuture. Then, it will not only benefit Myanmar but also ASEAN,
\nits member-states and the region equally.<\/p>\n
The strength of ASEAN is contained in the Treaty of Amity and
\nCooperation. We unfailingly apply these principles in our
\nexternal relations; especially with our neighbors. Our culture
\nand traditions impel us to follow this policy; \"Let amity be
\neternal, and enmity ephemeral\".<\/p>\n
It is clear that ASEAN, and its member nations, speak for and
\non behalf of ASEAN. Some media attempt to distort that by
\nselective interviews and quotations. This gives an erroneous
\npicture and magnifies the views of small but vocal interest
\ngroups in some ASEAN countries who often speak on behalf of other
\ninterest groups external to the region.<\/p>\n
U NYI NYI THAN<\/p>\n
Ambassador<\/p>\n
Myanmar Embassy<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/myanmar-and-asean-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }