UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has warned Asian nations that their credibility could be damaged if it does not make a tough stand against Myanmar ahead of the upcoming November election.
Ban urged Myanmar's neighbors to take tougher action ahead of the meeting on Myanmar on Monday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
The meeting will discuss human rights and humanitarian conditions and preparations for elections November 7, which according to the UK, U.S. and Canada will be held in stressful conditions.
The UN secretary general expressed increasing frustration with the junta, which prohibits the Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi and other opposition leaders participate in these elections.
Ban told the leaders of the 10-member ASEAN countries on Friday, the UN and the group wants to achieve stability and development in Myanmar.
"We agreed on the need for a democratic transition and national reconciliation, and ensure that elections be held freely, honestly and involve all parties," he said.
But he added: "If expectations are not met could damage the credibility of the process, which would spread the principles and values of the collective ASEAN."
Ban said the UN and ASEAN also should help Myanmar to enable them to handle the challenges of humanitarian and development.
ASEAN - which groups Brunei Darussalem, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam - have a strong principle of non-interference in domestic affairs of member states but Myanmar has become a source that can be embarrassing for members of more democratic block.
UN chief says he wants to cooperate with the military government was to assist a successful transition to civilian rule and democratic.
He highlighted the issue in talks with ASEAN leaders in New York including a new Philippines President Benigno Aquino.
"Mr. Ban stressed the importance of the involvement of Aquino on those countries in the region," said UN spokesman.
Ban this month expressed his disappointment regarding access to the authorities and expressed their worry on Myanmar junta's decision to ban the National League for Democracy led by Aung San Suu Kyi and nine other party vote.
President Barack Obama has also urged the ASEAN countries in one to have a lunch for them on the same day.
Washington admitted it was also not satisfied with the efforts to use dialogue in helping the realization of democratic change.
"The president believes about the importance of democratic reform and protection of human rights and repeated his call to Myanmar to conduct the process of national reconciliation," the U.S. statement said after the luncheon.
Obama called for the release of all political prisoners including Aung San Suu Kyi.
ASEAN leaders also called for free elections and welcomed the U.S. approach in Myanmar, hopes it can encourage the military government reform and economic-political reform.
No comments:
Post a Comment