Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople today said that the Philippines has noted the recent developments relating to the leadership in Myanmar and expressed the hope that this change is a step towards more meaningful reforms.  Secretary Ople also reiterated the call of the Philippines for the immediate and safe release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her followers.

The Secretary made these remarks after a reshuffle that saw General Khin Nyunt, who is reputedly in favor of implementing democratic reforms in Myanmar, installed as prime minister.

“The implications of Khin Nyunt’s appointment as prime minister, a role formerly held by the nation’s leader Senior General Than Shwe, remain unclear and deserve close watching.  However, I understand that Kyin Nyunt, their head of military intelligence, is the most outward-looking figure in government. If the intention is to begin genuine democratic reforms, then this appointment is certainly one that we would welcome,” the Secretary said.

Some observers believe that Khin Nyunt’s appointment is designed to soften the image of Myanmar’s junta while hoping the changes are the first step towards the civilianisation of Myanmar’s military government and that Khin Nyunt might work to forge peace with Aung San Suu Kyi and mend the collapsed economy.

“However, regardless of any changes in leadership, Myanmar should immediately release Daw Suu Kyi and her followers and allow them to participate fully and safely in the political life of the people of Myanmar,” the Secretary said, reiterating a call he had made several times before.

The Philippines has taken a strong position in advocating the release of Daw Suu Kyi and for democratic reforms in Myanmar, particularly during the recent ASEAN Ministerial and Other Meetings in Cambodia. END.