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Democrat Party backs PM’s stance in Suu Kyi’s case

Tue, 26 May 2009 17:33:21 +0000

BANGKOK, 26 May 2009 (NNT) – The Democrat Party vows full supports to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva as ASEAN Chair in regards to the case of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and collaborations to help Myanmar move towards democracy.

Earlier, the Myanmar military junta had assailed Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva as the ASEAN Chair for penetrating Myanmar’s internal operation in regards to the case of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Democrat Party Spokesperson Buranat Samutharak asserted that the declaration made by the Prime Minister came after a discussion with Foreign Ministries of nine countries, including Thailand. He reasoned that security affecting one country did affect all ASEAN nations, and regional collaboration was necessary.

Medical Doctor Buranat added that during the past ASEAN Summit, the Myanmar leader had already promised other ASEAN nation leaders to take action in regards to politics leading to democracy in the country.

Therefore, MD Buranat said the Democrat Party would give full support to further the relationship and frame work collaborations between ASEAN and Myanmar. In addition, ASEAN would persuade Myanmar not to create newer conditions leading to conflict, especially the detention of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

MD Buranat said the Democrat Party had been closely working with other political parties in the ASEAN region, adding that their representatives would travel to meet with Deputy House Speaker today to support Mr. Abhisit’s stance towards this issue.

Myanmar junta accuses Thailand of ‘meddling’

Mon, 25 May 2009 16:13:14 +0000

BANGKOK, May 25 (TNA, Agencies) – The trial of Myanmar’s pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi resumed on Monday as Myanmar accused neighbouring Thailand of meddling in its internal affairs.

Thailand as the rotating chair of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) last week issued a statement expressing “grave concern” over the trial, saying “the honour and the credibility of the (Myanmar government) are at stake.”

The ruling junta rejected the statement and issued its statement on Monday through the New Light of Myanmar, state television nd radio accusing Thailand of interfering in the country’s internal affairs.

“This statement issued by the alternate ASEAN chairman — which is not in conformity with ASEAN practice, incorrect in facts, interfering in the internal affairs of Myanmar — is strongly rejected by Myanmar,” it said.

“It is sadly noted that the alternate ASEAN chairman failed to preserve the dignity of ASEAN, the dignity of Myanmar and the dignity of Thailand,” said the statement.

Mrs. Suu Kyi, who has been in detention without trial for more than 13 years, is being tried on charges of violating the terms of her house arrest after an American, John W. Yettaw, swam to her home on May 4 and stayed for two days.

The Nobel Peace laureate pleaded not guilty last Friday. If found guilty, the 63-year-old Suu Kyi faces up to five years in prison. (TNA)
Political News : Last Update : 11:52:11 25 May 2009 (GMT+7:00)

Thai PM hopes UN chief’s visit to Myanmar will ease situation

Mon, 25 May 2009 02:14:55 +0000

BANGKOK, May 22 (TNA) – Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Friday said he hoped the planned visit to Myanmar of the United Nations chief will ease the situation there after Myanmar’s pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi was detained and put on trial following a bizarre visit by an American to her house.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon earlier told reporters that he is ‘deeply concerned about what has happening in Myanmar’ and he will visit Myanmar ‘as soon as possible’ to press for the release of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners.

Following the news regarding Ban Ki-moon’s Myanmar visit, Prime Minister Abhisit said that it will be carried out as planned, after being scheduled earlier in April.

“Recently, UN and Myanmar have worked directly together and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) welcomes this initiative,’ said the Thai premier. “We do hope the UN chief’s visit will help ease the problems and the situation there.”

Mr. Abhisit also said that the Thai ambassador to Myanmar, Bansarn Bunnag had met Mrs. Suu Kyi at Insein Prison in Yangon where she has been detained for breaching the terms of house arrest.

The Thai ambassador had discussed with the Nobel laureate over the ASEAN stance and asked her to tell about the incident.

Mrs. Suu Kyi, whose six-term house arrest will end on May 27, was put on trial on Monday after Myanmar authorities discovered that a 53-year-old American, John Yettaw, swam to her lakeside home and spent two nights there.

As ASEAN chair, the Thai premier expressed the ASEAN stance that the regional bloc is closely monitoring the situation in Myanmar and has been regularly discussing the issue among the ASEAN members.

“We want the UN to play an active role in solving Myanmar’s problem,” Mr. Abhisit affirmed.

The Thai premier said it cannot be predicted how the situation will unfold on May 27 when Suu Kyi’s house arrest term ends, but international community and ASEAN have expressed clear stance over the issue.

Thailand, as chair of ASEAN, earlier called for the immediate release of the Myanmar opposition leader, expressing its “grave concern” about Mrs. Suu Kyi’s situation given her fragile health.

Meanwhile, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Tharit Jarungwat said the Myanmar issue will be discussed at the 9th Asia-Europe Foreign Ministerial Meeting (FMM 9) in Hanoi, scheduled from May 22-25, as well as at the 17th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting in Phnom Penh on May 27-28.

Mr. Tharit said that it is good opportunity as the foreign ministers of the ten ASEAN members will attend both meetings. (TNA