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Junta seeks better image for Burma



Subject: Junta seeks better image for Burma in S-E Asia

Junta seeks better image for Burma in S-E Asia

27/8/97, The Asian Age (New Delhi).
Rangoon, Aug. 26: A top official has said Burma should raise its profile
in Asean including hosting meetings to correct "false" impressions of
the country, official media reported on Tuesday.

Lieutenant-general Khin Nyunt, the junta first secretary, blamed
political considerations and "fabrications" by the Western media for
giving the impression to some that Burma was a "foreboding" nation.

"By playing host to some of the regular Asean meetings, we can not only
correct this face concept and show peace and stability prevails here,
but this will also help promote tourism," Mr Khin Nyunt was quoted as
saying.

"As Burma has became a full member of Asean, it must be prepared to
shoulder more responsibilities such as attending numerous meetings
abroad as well as hosting them at home.

The Association of South East Asian Nations admitted Burma last month
along with Laos, despite Western objecting to Rangoon's record on
political and human rights. Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand  and Vietnam.

"Those responsible members of the government minister must also work
together with the aim of raising the role of Burma within Asean," he
said at a meeting of Burma's Asean steering committee, which he chairs.
(AFP)