Published on May 07, 2005

Political stalemate in Burma took centre stage at the Asia-Europe ministerial meeting (Asem) yesterday with European countries trying to pressure the military junta to release opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Dr Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the European Union’s Commissioner for External Relations, met Burmese Foreign Minister Nyan Win on the sidelines of the Asem meet and demanded the release of the Nobel laureate. This is the first time such a meeting has taken place between senior officials from the EU and the military junta.

Emma Udwin, an EU spokeswoman, quoted Waldner as saying she was concerned about the situation in Burma, as well as the incarceration of Suu Kyi and other political prisoners.

She called for the release of all political prisoners and demanded that the junta improve the political situation in Burma and take democratisation seriously.

Nyan Win repeated the usual Burmese statement, saying the country would “take and consider the list of political prisoners and the request”.

Meanwhile Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Margherita Bonvier raised the Burma issue when she met Thai Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon.

Sihasak Phuangketkeow, a Foreign Ministry spokesman, said Italy supported the “Bangkok Process” of two years ago because it allowed Burma and other countries to engage in dialogue.

Sihasak said Italy supported dialogue between Burma and other countries but said talks should be constructive.

Kantathi said Thailand would like to see the restoration of peace in Burma and the resumption of democratisation.

Democracy in Burma and North Korea’s nuclear ambitions will top the agenda when the foreign ministers of Asia and Europe meet again today.

On the theme “Deepening Dialogue Between Asia and Europe on Global Issues”, the ministers will also discuss the impact of December’s tsunami.

Marisa Chimprabha

The Nation

Kyodo

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