The issue of Burma will be discussed at a meeting of foreign ministers from Asia and Europe in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi on Monday, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said. The two-day meeting is expected to give a good opportunity to consider international community's perspective and concerns on Burma, the Thai prime minister told European Union External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner at Government House.
Ferrero-Waldner was in Bangkok en route to the Asia-Europe (Asem) foreign ministers' meeting.
She said said she will send a clear message to the Foreign Minister of Burma that his government must release all prisoners, including pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Speaking to reporters after meeting with the commissioner, the Thai prime minister said he encouraged the EU to support and provide more humanitarian assistance to Burma in an attempt to build trust (between that country and Europe).
The trial of Burma's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi resumed on Monday as Burma accused neighbouring Thailand of meddling in its internal affairs.
Thailand as the current chair of the 10-member Asean last week issued a statement expressing "grave concern'' over the trial, saying "the honour and the credibility of the (Myanmar government) are at stake.''
The ruling junta rejected the Thai statement and issued its own rebuttal on Monday accusing Thailand of interfering in the country's internal affairs.
Asked if the Asean would issue a second statementm, the Thai prime minister said the regional bloc will wait for the outcome of the two-day Asem meeting.
Source: The Nation
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