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Subject: CONSIDER SUSPENDING BURMA'S ASEAN MEMBERSHIP: ASIAN LEADERS'  FORUM

CONSIDER SUSPENDING BURMA'S ASEAN MEMBERSHIP: ASIAN LEADERS' FORUM

The Forum of Democratic Leaders - Asia Pacific (FDL-AP) has called on ASEAN
to seriously consider suspending Burma's membership of ASEAN and applying
economic sanctions if no progress is made towards the establishment of
effective dialogue between Burma's military junta and democracy movement.

In a resolution adopted by consensus at its third general Assembly on
October 26, the FDL-AP called for ASEAN to "seriously consider applying
economic sanctions" and "seriously consider suspending Burma's membership
of ASEAN" if no progress is made towards the establishment of effective
dialogue.

The resolution also called for ASEAN member states to "take a pro-active
approach ? by forming a group of Eminent Persons from among ASEAN leaders"
to accelerate "democratic transition, national reconciliation and national
reconstruction." The resolution also sought that ASEAN pursue a strategy of
"flexible engagement"on Burma.

The FDL-AP also extended its call for economic sanctions against Burma to
other countries having close dealings with Burma if no progress is made
towards political dialogue in the country.

A day earlier, democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi reminded participants at
FDL-AP's conference on "Peace and Democracy for the New Millenium" that the
efforts of democracy-loving groups and nations all over the world have had
an effect in Burma. 

In a video message smuggled out of Burma for the conference opening
ceremony, Aung San Suu Kyi emphasised "the very fact that a movement for
democracy is alive and vitally alive in spite of the oppression to which we
have been subjected, is proof that your work has paid great results. If you
had not been there to support us, it would have been that much more
difficult for us."

The opening ceremony was attended by more than 300 guests, including
President Kim Dae-jung, Japan's Foreign Minister Mr Kono Yohei, East Timor
leader Jose Ramos Horta, Mongolian Parliamentary Speaker R Gonchigdorj,
NCGUB Prime Minister Dr Sein Win, Australian former Foreign Minister Gareth
Evans and MPs and other political leaders from Asia and Europe.

The FDL-AP conference and its third general assembly were held
consecutively on October 25 and 26 at Seoul's Shilla Hotel.



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A L T S E A N - B U R M A
Alternative Asean Network on Burma
Tel: 66 2 275 1811 * Fax: 66 2 693 4515
<altsean@xxxxxxxxxx>