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.