• 
• 

Published on April 19, 2008

Speaking to a group of reporters in Bangkok, Williams said public participation in the military-run state, as well as the turnout and whether foreign media and election observers would be permitted to enter the country, are some of the things the British government will be looking at.

While expressing grave concern about the overall situation in Burma, Williams said the referendum could be a process that may pave the way for a representative government, as well as an "exit strategy" for the Burmese junta.

He expressed "reservations" over the fact that the draft constitution reserved 25 per cent of the seats in the upper and lower house for military personnel.

But he said that he nevertheless thought the British government and Asean members, together with the UN, still had room to manoeuvre after May 10.

When asked about the Thai government's favourable attitude towards Rangoon following a recent visit by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej - who referred to the Burmese junta as "religiously devout" and "good Buddhists" - Williams said that was not what he heard during his meeting yesterday with Foreign Minister Noppodon Pattama.

"There is more to be discussed when we look at appropriate mechanisms to achieve the goals that we all want to achieve," Williams said.

by the Nation