Phnom Penh, June 17: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations today formally asked Myanmar's ruling military to free pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. In a joint statement issued at the end of their two-day meeting, the foreign ministers of the 10-nation group said they "looked forward to the early lifting of restrictions placed on Aung San Suu Kyi" and on the members of her opposition National League for democracy party.

The reference to Myanmar and Suu Kyi in an ASEAN joint statement is unprecedented given the group's policy of noninterference in each other's affairs.

"It's a step forward," said Singapore foreign minister Shanmugan Jayakumar, referring to the statement.

It said the ministers noted the efforts of the Myanmar government to promote peace and development in the country.

"In this connection, we urged Myanmar to resume its efforts of national reconciliation and dialogue among all parties concerned leading to a peaceful transition to democracy.

The statement is apparently the result of international pressure on the group to use its influence with the generals in Myanmar


Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace laureate, was detained after may 30 violence in northern Myanmar that the military described as a clash between members of Suu Kyi's party and government supporters.
Opposition accounts have portrayed the incident as an ambush of Suu Kyi's entourage in which as many as 70 people were killed. The government says four people were killed.

Bureau Report