BKK Post-European Union appears to

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Subject: BKK Post-European Union appears to soften stance on Burma

Bangkok Post- February 3 1999

European Union appears to soften stance on Burma
Ways of relaxing travel ban sought

The EU has acknowledged Burma's readiness to discuss all issues and is
actively preparing for a ministerial meeting with Asean in Germany, Foreign
Minister Surin Pitsuwan said yesterday.

As part of the preparations, the EU is seeking ways of relaxing a travel ban
on Burmese government ministers, he added.

The minister's disclosure indicated a change in the position of the EU in
response to Burmese Foreign Minister Win Aung's stated readiness to discuss
"any matter" with the European side. Only a few days ago, the EU stood by
its travel ban against Burmese leaders that has been in effect since 1996.

Mr Win Aung's letter arrived in Bangkok after Germany let it be known that
Burma might be admitted to the meeting if it were willing to discuss human
rights.

Indicating some confidence in the turn of events, Mr Surin said the Asean-EU
ministerial meeting "might be" the first between the two groupings since
Asean admitted Burma and Laos in July 1997.

Deputy Foreign Ministry spokesman Kitti Wasinondh said Mr Win Aung's letter
showed Burma's good faith towards cooperation with Asean, and its wish for
progress in Asean-EU cooperation.

Mr Kitti emphasised that Burma was not yielding to pressure from Europe, and
expressed regret over an interpretation to this effect.