All ASEAN Foreign Ministers also underlined the importance a message of reconciliation and dialog, so Aung San Suu Kyi and related parties in Myanmar can be a part of the country`s peace and development effortJakarta (ANTARA News) - The ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) Foreign Minister agreed to issue statement to lift economic sanction on Myanmar and praised the democratization drive in the country.
The accord was reached in the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM) Retreat in Lombok in January 16-17, 2011.
On the discussion on the Myanmar issue, ASEAN Foreign Ministers paid attention to Myanmarese Foreign Minister Nyan Win`s briefings on the implementation of the country`s Roadmap to Democracy.
Myanmar has started a democratization drive by held an election in Burma, November 7, 2010 and freed pro-democracy opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on November 13, 2010.
"All ASEAN Foreign Ministers also underlined the importance a message of reconciliation and dialog, so Aung San Suu Kyi and related parties in Myanmar can be a part of the country`s peace and development effort," Marty said.
The penalties cancellation was aimed at enhancing economic and social development in Myanmar, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers also underlined that there should be a national reconciliation for the parties involved, and the importance of ASEAN`s involvement in the process.
According to ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan , ASEAN has always been supportive and at the fore front for humanitarian relief after cyclone Nargis, and very much encouraging an evolution of internal political reconciliation.
"In Hanoi (Vietnam), Myanmar said that they would like to reclaim their chairmanship which have been skipped in 2005 to 2014, and for that purpose there must be a commitment and confidence that everything would be reasonably stable and effective,"
Surin said that if reconciliation is achieved and integration is on track, then there would be opportunity and confidence and willingness for foreign to come and invest.
The AMM meeting was attended by eight foreign ministers and Secretary General of ASEAN. Secretary of Vietnam and the Philippines are each represented by one senior official.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa acted as the host and the AMM Retreat series chairman.
The AMM Retreat in Lombok was the first ASEAN meeting under Indonesia chairmanship.
Within its chairmanship, Indonesia has submitted three priority focus namely to ensure that the year 2011 will be marked by significant progress in achieving the ASEAN Community and to ensure the maintenance of order and the situation in the region conducive to efforts to achieve development.
Besides, it is also focusing on how to start the discussions on post 2015 ASEAN`s vision as the ASEAN Community in a global community of nations (ASEAN community in the world community).(*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
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