ID :
157550
Sun, 01/16/2011 - 17:50
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/157550
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ASEAN calls for early lifting of sanctions against Myanmar
LOMBOK, INDONESIA, Jan 16 (TNA) - The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has called for early lifting of sanctions against Myanmar after the reclusive country has shown positive political development as seen from the November 7 elections and the release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
ASEAN foreign ministers on Sunday kicked off their informal meeting in Lombok Island, Indonesia as the first key event under Indonesia’s rotating ASEAN chairmanship with Myanmar’s democracy and territorial disputes in the South China Sea high on the agenda.
Ten foreign ministers from ASEAN member countries and ASEAN Secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan started the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting Retreat in the emerging resort island located east to the world’s famous Bali Island.
Speaking to reporters after the first session, Indonesian Foreign Ministers Marty Natalegawa said the ministers recognized the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and the November elections in Myanmar as important development. ASEAN welcomed these major political events because they had been ASEAN’s long-time desires.
"ASEAN seeks early removal of sanctions that have been applied on Myanmar by some countries. We believes that recent development in Myanmar needs to be responded by international community, especially to ensure that economic development in Myanmar can take place," Marty said.
However, the Indonesian minister stressed that ASEAN members reiterated the importance of “having a dialogue that is inclusive … all parties concerned in Myanmar can contribute to Myanmar’s further development.”
ASEAN Secretary-general Surin commented that further connectivity between ASEAN and Myanmar can be expected in the fields of economic cooperation, agriculture and infrastructure. Such strengthened ties could promote normalcy, reconciliation and democracy in Myanmar.
The ASEAN Ministerial Meeting Retreat will continue on Monday when the ministers are expected to discuss broader regional issues in East Asia and ASEAN’s roles in the global arena.(TNA)
ASEAN foreign ministers on Sunday kicked off their informal meeting in Lombok Island, Indonesia as the first key event under Indonesia’s rotating ASEAN chairmanship with Myanmar’s democracy and territorial disputes in the South China Sea high on the agenda.
Ten foreign ministers from ASEAN member countries and ASEAN Secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan started the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting Retreat in the emerging resort island located east to the world’s famous Bali Island.
Speaking to reporters after the first session, Indonesian Foreign Ministers Marty Natalegawa said the ministers recognized the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and the November elections in Myanmar as important development. ASEAN welcomed these major political events because they had been ASEAN’s long-time desires.
"ASEAN seeks early removal of sanctions that have been applied on Myanmar by some countries. We believes that recent development in Myanmar needs to be responded by international community, especially to ensure that economic development in Myanmar can take place," Marty said.
However, the Indonesian minister stressed that ASEAN members reiterated the importance of “having a dialogue that is inclusive … all parties concerned in Myanmar can contribute to Myanmar’s further development.”
ASEAN Secretary-general Surin commented that further connectivity between ASEAN and Myanmar can be expected in the fields of economic cooperation, agriculture and infrastructure. Such strengthened ties could promote normalcy, reconciliation and democracy in Myanmar.
The ASEAN Ministerial Meeting Retreat will continue on Monday when the ministers are expected to discuss broader regional issues in East Asia and ASEAN’s roles in the global arena.(TNA)
