Foreign affairs chief reiterates RP call for democracy in Myanmar

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo on Sunday reiterated the Philippines' call on Myanmar to hasten its national reconciliation and democratization process.

Romulo made this call last Sunday night when he met with other ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at an informal working dinner.

"ASEAN has vital interests in broadening democratic space and strengthening democracy in the region. This is why ASEAN should continue to play an active role for democracy and security," Romulo told reporters after chairing the ASEAN informal working dinner.

The Philippines currently chairs the ASEAN and is hosting this week the 40th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM), Post Ministerial Conferences (PMC) and the 14th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

"While we recognize that Myanmar needs time and political space to deal with its complex challenges, Myanmar has to accelerate its national reconciliation and democratization. The world is looking to Myanmar to live up to its promises, and to ASEAN to encourage progressive development in our region, which must entail improvements in both human security and freedom," Romulo said.

He also expressed the hope that Myanmar's National Convention, which began its final session, can "complete its work within the year."

Myanmar, which joined ASEAN in 1997 and declared its resolve to achieve democracy and to improve the well-being of its people, committed to adhere to its Roadmap for Democracy.

The Roadmap provides seven points leading to a modern, developed and democratic Myanmar.