Burma: U.S. Attendance at ASEAN Meetings

Question:   What is the U.S. policy on participating in ASEAN meetings in Burma?

Answer:   The U.S. has made clear that the situation in Burma has complicated our dealings with ASEAN. The Secretary of State will have to decide whether it is appropriate to participate at senior levels in meetings in Burma, based on the situation that exists at the time in 2006-2007, while that country holds ASEAN’s chairmanship.

The United States has repeatedly called on Burma’s leadership to take steps to promote genuine national reconciliation and democracy, engage in meaningful dialogue with members of the political opposition and ethnic groups, release all political prisoners and respect the fundamental human rights of its citizens.

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