EU and Asean call for Myanmar release of detainees
Thu, Nov 22, 2007
Reuters
SINGAPORE - THE European Union and Southeast Asian countries agreed on Thursday a joint declaration calling for the release of political detainees in Myanmar and enhanced economic relations, but set no timetables.
'We welcome the decision of the government of Myanmar to step up its engagement with the UN and to enter into a dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, recalling that such a dialogue should be conducted with all concerned parties and ethnic groups,' said the joint declaration of the Asean-EU Summit.
The joint declaration also said the two groupings would be mindful of the different levels of development and capacity in moving towards a free trade deal.
The Association of South East Asian Nations signed a historic charter on Tuesday that paves the way for free trade and economic integration, but its summit this week was overshadowed by controversy over member Myanmar's crackdown on protesters.
The European Union has slapped sanctions on Myanmar. -- REUTERS
