PROVISIONAL VERSION of European Uni

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Subject: PROVISIONAL VERSION of European Union statement about Myanmar's membership of ASEAN (26 -06-1997). 

PROVISIONAL VERSION of European Union statement about Myanmar's membership 
of ASEAN (26 -06-1997).  We searched for this statement since it was 
mentioned in the Singapore Business Times Newslink of 28-06-1997.

BURMA/ MYANMAR - CONCLUSIONS

The Council discussed the implications for the EU of the accession in 
particular of Burma/Myanmar to ASEAN.

The Council underlined that the deteriorating human rights situation in 
Burma/Myanmar is a matter of serious concern to the EU. On several occasions 
the EU has reiterated its concern at developments in Burma/Myanmar. Most 
recently, on 30 May, the EU issued a declaration on the anniversary of the 
1990 elections in which the SLORC-regime is urged to release the people 
detained on that occasion and to engage in a serious dialogue with the 
pro-democracy groups. Furthermore, the Council called on the SLORC to accept 
a visit to Burma/Myanmar by the UN special rapporteur at an early date.

The Council stressed the importance they attach to the strengthening and 
deepening of EU-ASEAN relations in accordance with the conclusions of the 
EU-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Singapore in February 1997.

The Council confirmed the EU's commitment to the EU-ASEAN dialogue including 
on human rights and democratic principles. It expects membership of ASEAN to 
contribute to the promotion of thes values in Burma. It agreed that the 
opportunity of the EU-ASEAN dialogue should be used to discuss the situation 
in Burma/Maynmar.

Bearing in mind that the current circumstances, reflected in the 
prolongation of the EU Common Position for another period of six months, 
preclude starting negotiations on the possible accession of Burma/Myanmar to 
the EC-ASEAN Cooperation Agreement, the Council considers that the presence 
of Burma/Myanmar at the forthcoming ARF/PMC Ministerial Meetings does not 
prejudge in any way its participation as observer at the upcoming EU-ASEAN 
Joint Cooperation Committee in November 1997 and other meetings in the 
institutional EU-ASEAN framework.

The Council reaffirmed that membership of Burma/Myanmar of ASEAN does not 
automatically imply membership of ASEM.

On the subject of possible additional measures against Burma/Myanmar, the 
Council agreed to look into this matter again in September in the light of 
the ARF/PMC Ministerial Meetings and the future developments in Burma/Myanmar.

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Burma. It initiates and co-ordinates activities that promote democratization 
and sustainable development. The center aims to contribute to a constructive 
dialogue between de various groups in Burma.

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