ASEAN Chairman’s Statement on Myanmar 11 August 2009, Bangkok

Thailand, as the ASEAN Chair, has learned with deep disappointment that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was sentenced to serve eighteen months of house confinement with limited freedom. The Chair wishes to reiterate the calls made by the ASEAN Foreign Ministers attending the 42^nd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the 16^th ASEAN Regional Forum held in July 2009 in Phuket, for the immediate release of all those under detention, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, with a view to enabling them to participate in the 2010 General Elections.

Such actions will contribute to national reconciliation among the people of Myanmar, meaningful dialogue and facilitate the democratization of Myanmar. Only free, fair and inclusive General Elections will then pave the way for Myanmar’s full integration into the international community.

ASEAN member countries wish to see Myanmar, a fellow ASEAN member, be at peace, prosperous and well respected in the international community. We stand ready to cooperate with the Myanmar Government in its efforts to realize the seven steps to democracy and remain constructively engaged with Myanmar in order to build the ASEAN Community together. We also continue to support the ongoing good offices of the United Nations Secretary-General and urge Myanmar’s full cooperation with the United Nations.