Myanmar says comments on tensions r

[hlaing@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Myanmar says comments on tensions regrettable 
09:36 a.m. Jul 08, 1998 Eastern 

BANGKOK, July 8 (Reuters) - Myanmar criticised foreign governments on
Wednesday for comments over rising tension between the ruling junta and its
pro-democracy opposition. 
``Recent statements made by certain responsible ministers regarding their
concern on the presupposed situation in Union of Myanmar are found to be
presumptuous,'' said a statement released by Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign
Affairs. 

Thailand's foreign ministry said earlier on Wednesday it was concerned by
developments in Myanmar and called for restraint between the military junta
and the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD). 

The United States condemned the government's refusal to allow opposition
leader Aung San Suu Kyi to visit her party members. 

``The authorities in Myanmar have been exercising utmost restraint in
dealing with the aggressive and confrontational attitude of certain
elements,'' the Myanmar statement said. 

Myanmar said Thailand's comments could potentially affect relations between
the two countries and were against the spirit of the regional grouping, the
Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which both countries
are members. 

``It is regrettable that presumptuous observation and remarks made on
isolated and wrong information could lead to misunderstanding and a
misconception not only in bilateral relations but also intra-ASEAN,'' the
Myanmar statement said. 

Thailand earlier said it wished to see an easing of tension in Myanmar as
it feared the problem could escalate. 

The Thai foreign ministry spokesman said any instability or unrest in
Myanmar could lead to problems along the common border between the two
countries. 

As a result of any unrest, there could be a spill-over of refugees, border
trade might be hampered and drug suppression activities at the border areas
might be affected, he said. 

``We are concerned about the developments there. We urge restraint by all
sides to avoid violent confrontation between the opposing forces,'' Thai
foreign ministry spokesman Kobsak Chutikul told Reuters. 

``We, as fellow ASEAN member countries, feel that any new instability in
the region could affect efforts to achieve regional economic
rehabilitation,'' he said. 

Political tension between the ruling military State Peace and Development
Council (SPDC) and opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) party led
by Aung San Suu Kyi has been building up since late May. 

Suu Kyi demanded in May that the junta convene a parliament of elected
representatives from a May 1990 election, which the NLD won but was ignored
by the ruling military. The SPDC rejected the idea. 

Since then the SPDC has placed NLD elected representatives under
surveillance. 

On Tuesday, the military prevented Suu Kyi and senior party officials from
travelling to a northern township to meet some NLD elected party
representatives.