Bali, Indonesia – The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) affirmed its commitment to step up pressure on Myanmar to release opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and achieve democratic reform and reconciliation.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople said this was the prevailing sentiment expressed by ASEAN foreign ministers attending the ASEAN-European Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (ASEM) in Bali, Indonesia during an informal dialogue held yesterday afternoon. Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda initiated the dialogue which was attended by the foreign ministers of Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei, Laos and Vietnam.

In an informal dialogue on Myanmar among ASEAN foreign ministers, Secretary Ople reminded the other ministers about the earlier assurance of the Myanmar government to ASEAN that the detention of Daw Suu Kyi is a “temporary measure” and that  “certain police investigative criteria have to be fulfilled first prior to her release from detention.”

“That was a long time ago. Now, there is a crescendo of voices throughout the world against the continued detention of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the Burmese junta’s restraints on the opposition. It is time for Burmese leaders to listen now before more drastic measures are taken by the international community and ASEAN itself,” Secretary Ople said.

The Philippines expressed support for the position taken by the Malaysian government to exhaust all means of persuasion before considering the expulsion of Myanmar from ASEAN.  Secretary Ople pointed out that a move to expel any member country from ASEAN requires a unanimous decision by its members.

ASEAN foreign ministers, he said, are inclined to support the plan of the Indonesian government to send a special envoy to Myanmar to convey ASEAN’s position calling for the immediate release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from jail.

The Indonesian government has decided to put this plan on hold in deference to a forthcoming visit of Myanmar’s special envoy for a meeting with President Megawati on Monday.

“ASEAN is committed to play a leading role in bringing about the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and we appreciate the support and encouragement of the European community in this regard,” Secretary Ople added.

European foreign ministers have raised the issue of Myanmar in their bilateral talks with ASEAN foreign ministers.

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