SLORC (NLM): No Lustre Lost

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 THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR  -- Editorial: "No Lustre lost" -- July 21, 
1996, p.6


Even if it is sunk in mud, a ruby does not lose its lustre, or so the
saying goes. Where Myanmar as a nation and a people has to be weighed in
the strength of its integrity and worth, it always comes out the winner.
Take for instance the warm hand of hospitality extended to Myanmar
acknowledged by our Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw on behalf of
the 45-million-plus citizens. Despite the cacophony of unworthy
utterances made by those who wish us ill, those who would set Asian up
against Asian, acting like the proverbial dog in the manger, Asians know
what to do when their cohesion and long-term interests are jeopardised.
The Ceremony for the Admission of Myanmar as Observer of ASEAN,
according to wire services, was held at 11.30 am on 20 July 1996 at the
Jakarta Convention Centre in the Presence of His Excellency Mr Ali
Alatas, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and
Chairman of the ASEAN Standing Committee, the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN
countries, His Excellency Dato Ajit Singh, Secretary-General of ASEAN, U
Ohn Gyaw himself and members of the Myanmar delegation. Speaking on the
occasion, Mr Alatas stated that ASEAN greatly welcomed Myanmar's
admission as Observer and ASEAN look toward to closer cooperation with
Myanmar. In his turn, Myanmar's Minister for Foreign Affairs recalled
that at the 28th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting held this month last year,
Myanmar intimated its desire to become an Observer. He also added that
acceptance as an Observer this year has brought Myanmar a step closer to
ASEAN's ultimate goal of one Southeast Asia. U Ohn Gyaw also took the
occasion to reiterate Myanmar's commitment to the ideals and objectives
of ASEAN and thanked the member countries for their unanimous support
for Myanmar. Regardless of the wedgework, the rhetoric and wiles of
those who interfere in the internal affairs of Asian nations, or of the
region, there is always the staunch conviction that blood is thicker
than water and that Asian unity or ASEAN unity will bring greater
benefits. When our Head of State, Senior General Than Shwe attended the
Meeting of ASEAN Heads of Government and Heads of Government of
Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, the consolidation of leadership of the
`Asian Ten', soon to become the `ASEAN Ten' was imminent. In bilateral,
multilateral and regional cooperation, Myanmar and ASEAN, which will
include itself, there will be greater chances for Asian regional
assistance and co-prosperity. Asians are one. ASEAN nations are one.