DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
P R E S S  S T A T E M E N T
2330 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, Philippines                                                         Tel. No. 834-4000                                                                                   www.dfa.gov.ph

STATEMENT BY THE HON. DR. ALBERTO G. ROMULO
SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

ON THE ISSUE OF MYANMAR
21 NOVEMBER 2005

The Philippines continues to support the efforts of the government of Myanmar, as well as the governments of the other ASEAN member states, to bring true and meaningful democratic reforms to Myanmar.

During the ASEAN 7 + US Leaders Meeting, reinforced this position.  During that meeting, the President stated that the Philippines would be joining efforts in the United Nations, particularly the United Nations Security Council, where the Philippines is currently a non-permanent member, to help spur democratic reforms in Myanmar.

We continue to look forward to:

· the full implementation of the Roadmap to Democracy
· the safe and early release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
· the full participation of the National League for Democracy in Myanmar’s political life, particularly in the drafting of a new constitution, and
· the return to Myanmar of the Special Envoy to Myanmar of the United Nations Secretary-General. END


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