In letters to Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers yesterday, Human Rights Watch called on ASEAN governments to use their influence to persuade Burma's State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) to end the current standoff with Aung San Suu Kyi.
Noting that the actions of the SPDC violated the rights to freedom of movement, expression, and assembly of Aung San Suu Kyi and fellow members of the National League for Democracy, Human Rights Watch said that ASEAN intervention would demonstrate the organization's commitment to upholding basic freedoms.
The international monitoring organization urged the foreign ministers to add their voices to that of Thai Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan in arguing for an end to the confrontation. In statements to the Bangkok press on Monday, Foreign Minister Surin noted his concern that the confrontation in Burma "may affect the image of ASEAN as a whole" and could sour the December ASEAN-European Union foreign ministers meeting.
