The Nation : Thailand concerned ove

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The Nation

Thailand concerned over rising political tensions in Myanmar

posted at 16:25 hrs (Bangkok time) 

BANGKOK, July 28 -- The Thai government expressed concern Tuesday over
growing political tensions in neighbouring Myanmar between the ruling
military and the opposition led by Aung San Suu Kyi. 

''The foreign ministry is monitoring the developments in Myanmar and we are
concerned about the tensions there,'' foreign ministry deputy spokesman
Kitti Wasinondh told AFP. 

''We hope all parties there will find a solution soon,'' he said, adding
the stability of Thailand's immediate neighbour was vital to security in
the whole region. 

''We want to see Myanmar have positive political development. We support
national reconciliation which will bring peace and stability in the region.


''We have long (common) border, and we are in ASEAN. Everything in Burma
affects us also.'' 

Myanmar joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in July
last year, a grouping which also includes Brunei, Indonesia, Laos,
Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. 

Aung San Suu Kyi, who heads the National League for Democracy party Tuesday
continued a five-day roadside stand-off with the junta, after being blocked
by military officials from travelling to see supporters outside Yangon. 

Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of a host of Asian and Western countries
gathered in Manila under the ASEAN banner have expressed growing concern
over Myanmar's political stand-off. 

US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright on Monday put the junta on notice
over the safety of Aung San Suu Kyi saying the country was heading toward a
''social breakdown'' which would undermine regional stability.'' (AFP)