Indonesia criticizes Myanmar (အင္ဒိုနီးရွားေျပာျပီ)။
Mr Wirayuda said Asean has been 'able to develop a more open, frank discussion with Myanmar.' But he acknowledged it is hard to determine whether that cooperation will make a difference inside the country. -- PHOTO: AFP
PHUKET - INDONESIA, which has been pushing Southeast Asian nations for tougher action against human rights violators, said on Tuesday that 2010 elections in military-ruled Myanmar would not be free and fair if democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi remained in detention.
'We have been saying to them (Myanmar) directly that the process must be inclusive for all groups in society ... including Aung San Suu Kyi,' Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda told The Associated Press on the sidelines of a regional conference on this resort island.
While still espousing its core doctrine of noninterference in the affairs of its members, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or Asean, has voiced sharp criticism of Myanmar and acknowledged it remains a burden and roadblock to its progress.
'We should see whether from now until 2010 they develop a credible process leading to truly democratic elections acceptable to the international community,' Mr Wirayuda said, noting Myanmar's ruling junta changes 'too slowly, and often a little change at a time.'
He said the 'big test' will be whether the regime's promised elections next year are truly 'multiparty, meaning inclusive in nature, but also whether the process is a democratic one.'
Mr Wirayuda said Asean has been 'able to develop a more open, frank discussion with Myanmar.' But he acknowledged it is hard to determine whether that cooperation will make a difference inside the country.
The Phuket meeting takes place amid international outrage over the trial of Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who faces up to five years in prison on charges of violating terms of her house arrest by allowing an uninvited American to stay at her home.
Myanmar's dismal human rights record will certainly be stressed by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who arrived in Thailand on Tuesday and is to take part Wednesday in the Asean Regional Forum - an annual gathering of 27 Asian, US, and European ministers to discuss key security issues.
Mrs Clinton, who arrived from India, was to meet with Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva in Bangkok. -- AP Source from
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