Clinton pressures ASEAN to act on Burma

Linda Mottram, Singapore

Last Updated: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:40:00 +1100

United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has used a visit to Singapore to pressure ASEAN nations to do more about Burma.

She says Burma's harsh military rule is causing instability in the region that's no good for anyone.

"Left alone, the internal problems within Burma are not confined within Burma's borders," she said,

"We've seen refugee flows out of Burma - people taking to boats ending up in Malaysia, ending up in Indonesia, ending up in Australia, crossing the border into Thailand - that instability is not good for anyone."

Mrs Clinton is in Singapore for the annual meeting of APEC, the 21-nation Asia Pacific Economic Co- operation forum.

Mrs Clinton also said the Obama administration had consulted widely, especially with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Burma is a member - in formulating Washington's more calibrated approach to the military-ruled country.

ASEAN's responsibility

In particular, she signalled a belief that ASEAN has responsibilities on the issue.

"We look to al the countries in the region to play a role, and we particularly anticipate ASEAN playing a significant role," she said.

"If we're able to encourage the Burmese leadership to meet in dialogue with representatives of various aspects of Burmese society, we hope that that can be encouraged by other nations, and by ASEAN, maybe facilitated by ASEAN."

Burma's junta has said it will hold elections in 2010, and world leaders have expressed concerns that democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi will not be released from house arrest in time to participate.

Mrs Clinton said it is important to support a process within Burma that will lead to credible elections.

Her comments came after last week's visit to Burma by Kurt Cambpell, Assistant US Secretary of State.

Since that visit, a senior Burmese diplomat has suggested the government may soon release Ms Suu Kyi, so she can play a role in the elections.

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