Ali Alatas to leave for Myanmar soon

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