Myanmar urged to reaffirm values on democracy

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)