Asean countries expressed dire concerns about the Burmese military government's violent crack down on pro-democracy demonstrations this week.
Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on Thursday, saying, “Singapore welcomes the decision of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to send Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari to Burma. We fully support any initiative by the UN which would help defuse the situation.”
The ministry urged Burma authorities to admit Gambari into the country and grant him full access to all political leaders in Burma.
The statement noted that the situation in Burma affects all Asean countries.
On Wednesday, Thai interim Prime Minister Surayud Chulanond said Thailand will work with other countries to seek a resolution to the violence.
At least five monks were killed by government security forces on Wednesday and scores of monks and civilians were beaten and arrested. On Thursday afternoon, security forces fired into a large crowd near the center of Rangoon, reportedly injuring around 10 people.
“Thailand does not have the power or the resources to solve Burma's problems, and we must work together with countries including China and India,” Surayud said while he was in New York to attend in UN General Assembly session.
He said he hoped the situation would not require Thai citizens to be evacuated from Burma or effect security or the refugee situation along the Thailand-Burma border area.
Gen Bunrod Somtat, Thailand’s Minister of Defense, has postponed a scheduled visit to Burma until the situation returns to normal.
On Thursday morning, a group of Burmese and Thai students demonstrated in front of the Burmese Embassy in Bangkok, urging China and India to stop supporting the Burmese government.
Meanwhile, 15 Buddhists and human rights organizations in Thailand have submitted a letter to the Sangha in Thailand urging them to ask the Burmese government to solve their problems peacefully.
“Thailand and Burma believe in Buddhism so we urge the Thai Sangha to send good wishes to find a resolution with peace and to prevent bloodshed,” said Rotsana Tositrakul, a representative from the group.
On Wednesday, The Buddhists and Khmer Society Network in Cambodia, individual Buddhist and social activists and other Buddhists released a statement in solidarity with the Buddhist peace movement in Burma.
“A violent action is not sustainable. Importantly, as Buddha said, nothing is permanent, even the power someone holds. So, start now to work for a peace reconciliation before it is too late,” the statement said.
Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on Thursday, saying, “Singapore welcomes the decision of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to send Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari to Burma. We fully support any initiative by the UN which would help defuse the situation.”
The ministry urged Burma authorities to admit Gambari into the country and grant him full access to all political leaders in Burma.
The statement noted that the situation in Burma affects all Asean countries.
On Wednesday, Thai interim Prime Minister Surayud Chulanond said Thailand will work with other countries to seek a resolution to the violence.
At least five monks were killed by government security forces on Wednesday and scores of monks and civilians were beaten and arrested. On Thursday afternoon, security forces fired into a large crowd near the center of Rangoon, reportedly injuring around 10 people.
“Thailand does not have the power or the resources to solve Burma's problems, and we must work together with countries including China and India,” Surayud said while he was in New York to attend in UN General Assembly session.
He said he hoped the situation would not require Thai citizens to be evacuated from Burma or effect security or the refugee situation along the Thailand-Burma border area.
Gen Bunrod Somtat, Thailand’s Minister of Defense, has postponed a scheduled visit to Burma until the situation returns to normal.
On Thursday morning, a group of Burmese and Thai students demonstrated in front of the Burmese Embassy in Bangkok, urging China and India to stop supporting the Burmese government.
Meanwhile, 15 Buddhists and human rights organizations in Thailand have submitted a letter to the Sangha in Thailand urging them to ask the Burmese government to solve their problems peacefully.
“Thailand and Burma believe in Buddhism so we urge the Thai Sangha to send good wishes to find a resolution with peace and to prevent bloodshed,” said Rotsana Tositrakul, a representative from the group.
On Wednesday, The Buddhists and Khmer Society Network in Cambodia, individual Buddhist and social activists and other Buddhists released a statement in solidarity with the Buddhist peace movement in Burma.
“A violent action is not sustainable. Importantly, as Buddha said, nothing is permanent, even the power someone holds. So, start now to work for a peace reconciliation before it is too late,” the statement said.
