Myanmar and ASEAN

Myanmar and ASEAN

We wish to give clarification on AFP's Mr. Lescot's report on
Myanmar (The Jakarta Post, Feb. 7, 1995).

From our freedom in 1948 to today, all Myanmar governments
have consistently and sincerely pursued relations with other
countries on the basis of the five principles of peaceful co-
existence, and the principles of the UN Charter; the fundamentals
of which are non-interference, sovereignty, mutual-benefit,
Equality and mutual respect.

This implies that no "superior" or distorted comments are made
about another sovereign nation and its government. All ASEAN
Nations adhere to these principles, which are also ASEAN
principles, in their bilateral relations. Even the press in the
ASEAN countries abide by these unwritten rules, and the
courtesies are also extended to other non-member, but important,
Asian nations. We assume this to be an Asian self-regulatory
process.

Though my government has not applied as yet to join ASEAN we
consider ourselves to be very much a Southeast Asian nation, and
systematic steps will be taken toward a 10-member ASEAN in the
future. Then, it will not only benefit Myanmar but also ASEAN,
its member-states and the region equally.

The strength of ASEAN is contained in the Treaty of Amity and
Cooperation. We unfailingly apply these principles in our
external relations; especially with our neighbors. Our culture
and traditions impel us to follow this policy; "Let amity be
eternal, and enmity ephemeral".

It is clear that ASEAN, and its member nations, speak for and
on behalf of ASEAN. Some media attempt to distort that by
selective interviews and quotations. This gives an erroneous
picture and magnifies the views of small but vocal interest
groups in some ASEAN countries who often speak on behalf of other
interest groups external to the region.

U NYI NYI THAN

Ambassador

Myanmar Embassy

Jakarta