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Lunch with Suu Kyi is not enough



For immediate release: October 23, 1997

MEDIA RELEASE:
HAVING LUNCH WITH SUU KYI IS NOT ENOUGH


Bangkok, Thurs:  A network of Asean-based supporters for human rights and
democracy in Burma today renewed their call to Asean to take a clearer role
in facilitating a peaceful resolution to the country's woes.

The Alternative Asean Network on Burma (Altsean-Burma) was responding to
news reports that Philippines Foreign Minister Domingo Siazon met with
Burmese democracy leader Ms Aung San Suu Kyi in Rangoon last week.

"We are cautiously optimistic that the Mr Siazon has finally done what
should have been done two years ago.  All Asean member states should have
immediately engaged with Ms Suu Kyi and the NLD upon her release from house
arrest," emphasised Altsean-Burma Co-ordinator Ms Debbie Stothard.

"However, it is outrageous that President Ramos, as the Philippines' head of
state, had to bear the insult of being spurned in his request to meet Ms Suu
Kyi.

"It is high time that Asean member states got their act together to support
the peoples of Burma in their movement for peace, human rights and
democracy.  Having lunch with Ms Suu Kyi is not enough.

"The Slorc has clearly used Asean membership as a shield for continuing
human rights abuses.  It has also used on its orchestrated national
convention to draft a new constitution as a tactic to delay and prevent the
formation of a democratic, civilian government.

"If Asean does not engage in concrete and meaningful measures now, it will
have to resort to drastic damage control later," predicted Ms Stothard.

Since, joining the regional grouping on July 23, the Slorc continued to
perpetrate human rights violations and launched a military offensive against
Karenni state.  Opium, heroin and amphetamine production continue unchecked.
Universities remain closed since December, however the military junta
reopened schools in August.

ENDS


A L T S E A N - B U R M A
ALTERNATIVE ASEAN NETWORK ON BURMA
*tel: [662] 275 1811/693 4515 *fax: [662] 693 4515 *e-mail: altsean@xxxxxxxxxx
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