The following is a statement he has issued in Phnom Penh while attending the 36th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting.
"Only a few
weeks ago hopes were high that finally peace and democracy were slowly but
steadily returning to the suffering people of Burma/Myanmar. I was even begin to believe that it was time for the
The recent events in
Burma/Myanmar have wiped out all our moderate sense of hope and optimism. The
attacks on Daw Aung Suu Kyi and her supporters were a premeditated act
orchestrated by hardliners of the military regime who are against the dialogue
and reconciliation process supported by others in the same regime.
We cannot be concerned only
about the fate of our Nobel Laureate colleague.
We are profoundly worried about the fate of hundreds of her supporters
of whom we haven't heard from at all.
I commend the ASEAN leaders
for breaking a taboo when it comes to gross and systematic human rights
violations within the region voicing their demands that Suu Kyi be freed
immediately.
However, the simple release
of the Burmese democratic leader is not enough. The military regime must accept
a clear timetable towards free and democratic relations in Myanmar within a
reasonable period of time.
The UN, working in close consultation
with ASEAN leaders, must be involved or lead the process towards, and
supervise, free and democratic elections in Burma/Myanmar.
In working towards a
peaceful and stable transition and a free and democratic Burma, the democracy
movement in Burma as well as the international community must also consider
safeguards, guarantees and incentives for those in power today who might seek
such safeguards.
ASEAN is facing a unique
challenge to its own credibility. If there is any virtue left with the authorities
in Rangoon, they should at least show loyalty to their ASEAN friends and neighbors, spare them embarrassment, and heed their
friendly advice.
Burma is a country blessed
with rich natural resources and a gifted people. It can prosper and be an important regional
player if its current leaders were to relinquish their absolute power and
accept the inevitable changes that will come sooner or later."
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