Myanmar shows defiance

Myanmar shows defiance

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Myanmar's leader Gen. Tan Shwe continues to show defiance
against the world community's pressure to restore democracy in
his country and release opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The hardline stance was demonstrated during his separate
meetings with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and United
Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the sidelines of the
Asian-African Summit here on Saturday.

During the talks, Tan Shwe briefed both Susilo and Annan about
the latest developments in Myanmar and his promise to keep the
current "democratic process" in the country intact. During their
bilateral talks, Susilo and the Myanmar leader evaded the
controversial issue on the country's position as the next chair
of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Several ASEAN member states have opposed Myanmar's leadership,
citing its poor progress in protecting human rights and upholding
democracy.

"The two leaders talked more about the Bandung Spirit, as
Myanmar was one of the initiators of the Asia-Africa Conference
50 years ago," Presidential spokesman Dino Patti Djalal said.

He added that Tan Shwe explained to Susilo about the
possibility for the national convention in Yangon to establish a
new constitution in Myanmar, even before the Indonesian president
raised the question.

"Myanmar vows to transform itself toward democratization,"
said Dino.

In a broader sense, Dino added, ASEAN would support Myanmar's
democratization process, but expected the process to run in an
inclusive manner by involving all political parties and leaders
in the country.

During the meeting, Tan Shwe also extended an invitation for
Susilo to visit Myanmar, but the Indonesian president had not
given any response.

In a separate press conference, Annan said the Myanmar leader
briefed him about the current situation and the ongoing
democratization process there.

"I did raise a question on Aung San Suu Kyi and the National
League for Democracy party and the fact that it was important
that all citizens are able to participate in the constitutional
process in the national discussion and to be able to exercise
their individual democratic rights," Annan said.