Nation : Thailand defends expressio

[hlaing@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Nation:July 15,1998
Thailand defends expression of concern over Myanmar tensions
posted at 14:20 hrs (Bangkok time) 

BANGKOK, July 14 -- Thailand Tuesday defended its right to express concern
about developments in Myanmar, saying any turmoil in the neighbouring
junta-ruled state could have implications across their common border. 

Deputy foreign minister Sukhumbhand Paribatra said Thailand abided by the
ASEAN policy of not interfering in the domestic affairs of other states,
which he added was also a United Nations policy. 

''But Thailand and Myanmar share a border,'' he was quoted as saying in a
Foreign Ministry statement. 

''Any movement in Myanmar also effects Thailand. That's why Thailand has
expressed concern over these incidents.'' 

Bangkok last week expressed concern that rising political tension in
Myanmar could erupt into violence and urged restraint by both Myanmar's
rulers and opposition parties. 

But the comments drew an angry response from the regime, which warned that
Thailand's expression of concern, echoed by the Philippines, could damage
regional relations. 

''These speculations are based on false premises and are entirely contrary
to reality,'' the Myanmar foreign ministry said in a statement read on
state television. 

''It is regrettable that such speculations based on unfounded premises and
fabrications can only lead to misunderstanding among ASEAN members and
adversely effect bilateral relations, apart from being entirely against
basic principles and objectives of ASEAN.'' 

That statement was the first pointed attack on a shift by some Association
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members towards commenting on others'
internal affairs. The 30-year-old grouping has to date observed a policy of
non-interference in the affairs of each member state. 

Thailand has proposed ASEAN adopt a policy of ''flexible engagement'' under
which members can comment on their partners' domestic matters when they
have regional implications. 

The Philippines has spoken favourably of the plan but it has received a
luke-warm response from other members. 

The matter is expected to be discussed when ASEAN foreign ministers meet in
Manila later this month. 

ASEAN groups Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. (AFP)