Suu Kyi wants Estrada's support

Suu Kyi wants Estrada's support

MANILA (DPA): Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi appealed yesterday to Philippine President-elect Joseph Estrada to take the lead in persuading the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to support democracy in her homeland.

Referring to ASEAN's official policy against interfering with the internal affairs of member countries, Suu Kyi urged Estrada to support the opposition's struggle in light of the Philippines' democratic record and in the interest of stability in the region.

The message was given last week to Merci Ferrer, with the Manila office of Initiatives for International Dialog, for release yesterday ahead of the celebration of Women of Burma Day June 19, also the birthday of Suu Kyi.

Ferrer attended a gathering for ASEAN women leaders at the residence of the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner.