RI, Myanmar discuss Aung San Suu Kyi

RI, Myanmar discuss Aung San Suu Kyi

JAKARTA (JP): The chief of Yangon's ruling military junta,
Senior Gen. Than Shwe, in a meeting with President Soeharto
yesterday discussed recent developments in Myanmar, including the
situation concerning pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

"The Myanmarese leader gave a general explanation to the
President on matters involving Aung San Suu Kyi," said
Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono.

Moerdiono refused to elaborate on details of the discussion on
the pro-democracy leader.

The head of Myanmar's State Law and Order Restoration Council
(SLORC) arrived here Thursday to attend the informal summit of
the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which begins
today.

Than Shwe during his visit is accompanied by SLORC's first
secretary Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt and Foreign Minister Ohn Gyaw.

Upon his arrival Thursday, Than Shwe issued a short statement
which said his visit reaffirms Myanmar's desire to integrate into
ASEAN and "demonstrates Myanmar's commitment to the common pledge
to live together in peace and harmony."

ASEAN groups Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Leaders of Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, as prospective members
of the association, have been invited to today's informal summit.

Cambodia and Laos are set to join next year, while the timing
of Myanmar's membership is something which many ASEAN leaders
said would be discussed today.

ASEAN has remained steadfast in its "constructive engagement"
stance toward Myanmar in spite of Yangon's persistent curb on the
pro-democracy movement.

Western governments have called on ASEAN states to pressure
Yangon by isolating it. Many international and ASEAN non-
governmental organizations have also urged the regional grouping
to deny Yangon ASEAN membership.

Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand have expressed concern
over the possibility of Myanmar's immediate membership due to
Yangon's human rights record.

Those who will attend the summit are Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah
of Brunei, President Soeharto, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir
Mohamad, Philippine President Fidel Ramos, Singapore Prime
Minister Goh Chok Tong and Vietnamese Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet.
Due to recent political changes, Thailand will be represented by
Deputy Prime Minister Amnuay Virawan.

The three prospective members will be represented by Cambodian
Prime Ministers Prince Norodom Ranaridh and Hun Sen, Laotian
Prime Minister Khamtay Siphandone and Myanmar leader Than Shwe.

The leaders who touched down in Jakarta yesterday have
expressed varying views on the issue of Myanmar's membership.

Mahathir who arrived by private plane at Halim Perdana Kusuma
airport, said: "We can work it out, somehow."

Ramos who had arrived earlier said Myanmar still had to
fulfill technical requirements, specifically those pertaining to
the ASEAN Free Trade Area.

Meanwhile Prince Ranaridh who arrived with Hun Sen, said he
fully supported Myanmar's inclusion into ASEAN.

"The sooner the better," he remarked while throwing his full
backing behind the establishment of an ASEAN-10.

When asked about possible western pressure on the Myanmar
issue, Prince Ranaridh said: "We should not talk about pressure.
I think that ASEAN now is already an adult."

Ranaridh and Hun Sen were met by Minister of Agriculture
Sjarifudin Baharsjah and Minister of Education and Culture
Wardiman Djojonegoro.

The seven ASEAN leaders will meet this morning before being
joined by the leaders from Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. There is
no set agenda and no declaration prepared for the meeting.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas however will brief
journalists after the summit. (mds)

Photo -- Page 2

ASEAN -- Page 4