ASEAN to discuss Myanmar foot-dragging: Jakarta

Jakarta, Jan 8: The lack of progress in Myanmar's democratisation process has frustrated its Southeast Asian neighbours who will discuss the military-ruled country at a regional summit this weekend, Indonesia said today.

For years, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has attempted without success to politely nudge ruling generals in Myanmar, the most problematic member for the group, into following a democratic path and into freeing political prisoners through a policy of ''constructive engagement''.

ASEAN leaders have their annual summit on the Philippine island of Cebu on January 13, while foreign ministers of the 10 member countries meet Jan. 10-12.

''Indonesia and other ASEAN members outside Myanmar are frustrated with the developments in Myanmar, the lack of concrete results from the democratisation process,'' Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda told reporters.

''The position we took last year was because you did not want to open up with us, please do not involve ASEAN solidarity in your business with the United Nations,'' he said, adding the topic would be discussed among ministers and country leaders at the ASEAN meeting.

He said giant neighbours China and India, chasing energy deals with countries around the world to fuel their economic booms, could be the key in engaging Myanmar.

''We hope those two countries are not only interested in energy sources, but also help ASEAN in pushing changes in Myanmar. It is not easy having relations with Myanmar, a country that has isolated itself. They have nothing to lose,'' Wirajuda said.

The junta, which has ruled Myanmar since 1962, refused to accept the 1990 election victory of a democratic party led by Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, now under house arrest along with her political associates.

Western countries regard the junta's seven-step ''roadmap'' to democracy as a delaying tactic and favour imposing sanctions.

Besides Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines, ASEAN includes Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

REUTERS

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