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)
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