ASEAN to jointly monitor political situation in Myanmar

BANGKOK, 20 July 2009 (NNT) – The Prime Minister indicated that all ASEAN members would jointly follow up the political situation of Myanmar while expressing no concerns over the nation’s possible alliance with North Korea.

After chairing the opening ceremony of the 42nd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM), Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told the press that the ASEAN Human Rights Body would push forward with its operations without intervening in political activities of Myanmar. The Prime Minister informed that representatives from Myanmar were scheduled to report many issues within the country to the AMM, including its progression towards democracy, the planned general election in 2010, and the release of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners. He also said that various policies between ASEAN and Myanmar as well as Thailand and Myanmar would be brought up for reviews.

Prime Minister Abhisit expressed optimism over the close relationship between Myanmar and North Korea while suggesting that the AMM be used as an opportunity for all participating nations to tighten their relationships and cooperation.