EFFORTS TO CONTINUE TO ASSIST DEMOCRATIC REFORMS IN MYANMAR – OPLE

Confirming that the issue of Myanmar was hardly discussed during the APEC Leaders Summi  in Bangkok this week, Secretary Ople said, however, that efforts continue to prod Myanmar to push through with democratic reforms and to free Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.  

"There was no discussion of Myanmar during the APEC Summit, even though many of those present were known and vocal critics of the government of Myanmar," Secretary Ople said.  

The Secretary said that this did not mean that sentiments had changed over Myanmar. "The Philippines continues to call for the early and safe release of Daw Suu Kyi and for the start in earnest of democratic reforms in Myanmar," the Secretary said.  

The Secretary believes that Myanmar was not discussed during APEC because of the continuing faith the international community has in the ability of ASEAN to deal with the issue. "The ASEAN Summit in Bali two weeks ago marked an important phase in the issue of Myanmar. In Bali, we made our sentiments clear to Myanmar that ASEAN is willing to work with them in helping them institute democratic reforms. Others had expected ASEAN to come down hard on Myanmar, but we choose to continue to engage Myanmar, with Myanmar knowing our full sentiments and feelings. They also have a clear idea of the extent of our advocacy, should Daw Suu Kyi remain in detention," Secretary Ople said.  

"Thailand will have an important role to play in this issue and it can count on the full support of the Philippines," Secretary Ople said. "We also welcome China’s own efforts to engage Myanmar," he added.  

The Secretary said that he expects some new developments on the issue of Myanmar, including a broader dialogue with Myanmar through the help of Thailand. END.