Myanmar leader here to boost ties

JAKARTA (JP): The head of Myanmar's ruling military junta, Gen. Than Shwe, arrived here yesterday for a four-day state visit to enhance economic and trade ties with Indonesia.

Than Shwe, chairman of Myanmar's ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), is here under the invitation of President Soeharto.

Accompanying him is a delegation which includes four ministers and SLORC Secretary-General Lt. Gen. Khin Nyut.

Than Shwe was greeted by Indonesia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport yesterday afternoon and then taken to Merdeka Palace to meet President Soeharto.

After talks with Soeharto tomorrow morning, Than Shwe is scheduled to hold a meeting with Minister of Defense and Security Edi Sudradjat.

Myanmar's ruling junta has been under severe criticism by western countries for alleged human rights violations.

SLORC seized power in 1990 after nullifying a national election won by dissident Aung San Suu Kyi's party. Suu Kyi has been under house arrest for the past six years.

To the chagrin of the West, which advocates isolating Myanmar, Indonesia has maintained close relations with Yangon.

The members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have refused to comply with the isolationist policy of the West, instead adopting "constructive engagement" with Yangon, which it received as a guest during the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok last year.

ASEAN is a socio-economic grouping which comprises Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

During a banquet last night, Soeharto welcomed the enhancement of relations in a written speech. "We welcome with joy the progress Myanmar has achieved in the political, economic and social fields."

He noted Myanmar's contribution during the early days of Indonesian independence and said that country's support would never be forgotten. (mds)