Myanmar urged to reaffirm values on democracy
JAKARTA (JP): ASEAN stressed yesterday that apart from making adjustments to the association's legal and procedural requirements, Myanmar, together with current members, must reaffirm the association's common values of democracy and human rights.
"Most importantly, we will have to reaffirm the common Asian ideals that we uphold, particularly participative democracy and full respect for human rights," Philippine Foreign Minister Domingo L. Siazon said during a consultative meeting with Myanmarese delegates.
Siazon also encouraged the internal steps Yangon was making in efforts to develop its political institutions.
"We note with keen interest Myanmar's goal to build a peaceful, prosperous, modern and developed state based on a multiparty democratic system and a market oriented economy," he said, adding that ASEAN is also interested in viewing the process of national reconciliation.
Siazon was representing the six other ASEAN foreign ministers and acting as chairman during the consultative meeting which was attended by Myanmarese Foreign Minister U Ohn Gyaw.
Ohn Gyaw during the hour-long meeting at the Jakarta Convention Center briefed his ASEAN counterparts on efforts to establish a democratic-party system and preparations for future membership in the association.
He said his country was making strides in both political development and national reconciliation.
Nevertheless he neglected to mention any efforts to set up a dialog with pro-democracy activists lead by Aung San Suu Kyi.
"Myanmar continues to enjoy unprecedented peace, stability and economic growth," Ohn Gyaw claimed.
Myanmar on Saturday was formally admitted as observer of ASEAN and is expected to eventually become a full member.
Ohn Gyaw said that the National Convention in Yangon had recently determined the future political instruments for a democratic Myanmar.
"Consensus has been reached on the principles to have a presidential system of government with two Houses of Parliament and an independent judiciary," he said.
He pointed out that the National Convention in Yangon is currently working on important chapters of the Constitution including those dealing with the legislature, executive and judiciary.
On steps to integrate with ASEAN, Ohn Gyaw said his government is taking steps to establish an ASEAN department. He hopes that such a department can function as a driving force in future cooperation with the organization.
He further explained that there are four specific areas in which Yangon were making preparations for membership: human resources, institutional development, coordination task along with educational and public relations.
Siazon welcomed Myanmar's efforts and encouraged Yangon's willingness in adjusting legal regimes, procedures and regulations to that of other ASEAN states.
Myanmar's biggest challenge in joining the association is expected to be its adjustment to the ASEAN Free Trade Area.
After the meeting Siazon told journalists that it was still too early to say when Myanmar would be able to participate in the ASEAN Free Trade Area and that further discussions would be needed.
He pointed out that Myanmar's economy has not been developing as it should in the past 30 years and thus it would probably need a little bit more time. (mds)