Philippines calls for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s release
MANILA – The Philippines called for Myanmar’s return to the previously existing state of affairs and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s release as it called for subsequent dialogue among parties involved in the country’s future.
This was the statement made by Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. at the Informal ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Regional and International Issues earlier today.
He said the Philippines is “deeply concerned about the recent developments in Myanmar.”
“We are cognizant of the Army’s role in preserving Myanmar’s territorial integrity and national security, even under threat from those who wish to break her apart and feast on her dismembered parts,” Secretary Locsin said.
He said he has warned Daw Aung Suu Kyi “never to trust those who shattered countries like Libya” but added the Philippines recognizes her unifying role in Myanmar’s history and destiny.
Secretary Locsin said the Philippines has always stood by Myanmar’s side as it addressed its ethnic challenges, part of which he described as “clear legacies of reckless and opportunistic Western imperialism.” He added the Philippines stood by her in particular and defended her against difficulties posed by persons from the West.
“We have hit back hard at her pro-democracy and human rights critics, not a single one of who has done anything at all for democracy and human rights; let alone as much as she has at great risk to her life,” he said.
Secretary Locsin said Myanmar’s efforts towards fuller democracy should continue. He said every nation must help.
“Our appeal is not from the outside but from inside what we claim is one family: a family first of peoples and not of governments; feeling the hurt in one of its members,” he added.
He said the Philippines believes the hurt of the small finger is felt by the whole body and Myanmar is not a small finger “but a big part of the two hands that together make up the family of ASEAN 10.”
Secretary Locsin said the Philippines calls for the complete return to the previously existing state of affairs.
“And the first step should be for the release of Daw Aung Suu Kyi and subsequent dialogue among the parties involved in their country’s destiny,” he said as he called on the rest of ASEAN to “stand by Myanmar; ready to give what help it is asked by the people and government of Myanmar.” (Melo M. Acuña)
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. (right) with Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel del Gallego Romualdez in file photo/Melo M. Acuna)
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