Bali, July 24: Thailand's foreign minister today said his country has drawn up a "roadmap" for the release of Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi - a plan that brings together six "like-minded" countries and all internal parties in the military-ruled nation. Surakiart Sathirathai declined to say which these countries were and when talks would begin, but said Thailand has already completed the road map - which he said would lead to establishing a democracy in Myanmar.
"We have asked six countries including Myanmar to discuss really practical steps from the release of Suu Kyi to the objective of democracy," said Sathirathai, on the sidelines of the Asia-Europe foreign ministers meeting here.
"Something that is acceptable for all sides," he said. The talks would likely involve members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or Asean, which, in an effort to win Suu Kyi's release, has already asked Myanmar to receive a delegation led by former Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas.
"It is time we (Asean) get our act together," Sathirathai said.
Talks could also include all opposition parties and refugee groups from Myanmar's minority tribes now seeking asylum in neighboring countries, an Asian official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
Myanmar Foreign Minister Win Aung is scheduled to be in bangkok for talks at the end of the month but it is not known whether his visit is part of the Thai "roadmap." Bureau Report