Brussels, 22/11/2007 (Agence Europe) - EU and ASEAN countries (the Association of South-East Asian Nations) adopted a joint statement in Singapore on Thursday 22 November calling for the release of political prisoners being detained in Myanmar/Burma. Signed to mark the 30th anniversary of their relations, the statement confirms the intentions of both sides to build up bilateral cooperation in a whole raft of domains, ranging from economic and trade issues (see related article) to climate issues, energy and security.
Europeans and Asians stress their desire to strengthen political dialogue and all called for the 'release of political detainees in Myanmar, including those recently detained, and the early lifting of restrictions placed on political parties'. They welcomed 'the decision of the Government of Myanmar to step up its engagement with the UN and to enter into a dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, recalling that such a dialogue should be conducts with all concerned parties and ethnic groups,' and backed the efforts of the Special Advisor to UN Secretary General in Myanmar/Burma, Ibrahim Gambari.
Traditionally reluctant to criticise one of its member, and even more reluctant to have recourse to sanctions, ASEAN has been at pains to have its voice heard to ensure progress in democratic reform in Myanmar/Burma. The EU, which implemented tougher restrictions this week on the military junta (see EUROPE 9546), remains concerned to balance the carrot and stick. The joint statement reaffirms the EU and ASEAN's desire to 'respond constructively to political transformation and reform,' in Myanmar/Burma. (A.B.)