Ali Alatas to leave for Myanmar soon

JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri is sending special envoy Ali Alatas to Myanmar to seek further explanation on the ongoing democratization and reconciliation process in the neighboring country.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said on Friday that as chair of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Indonesia needed to keep abreast of developments in the military- ruled country.

"Myanmar promised it would be active in the democratization process this year and we would like to know more about the follow up of the plan," Hassan said.

The minister said the issue would feature in discussions during the upcoming ASEAN ministerial meeting in June here and the junta promised to provide information to ASEAN member countries regarding the latest situation in the country. -- JP