RI, Myanmar discusses Rohingya, democracy issues
Erwida Maulia, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Mon, 03/16/2009 8:45 PM
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono discussed on Monday contentious issues on Rohingya boat people and democracy in junta-ruled Myanmar with visiting Myanmarese Prime Minister Gen. Thein Sein.
The President emphasized the need of “practical solution” to solve the Rohingya boat people problem, and urged Myanmar to prove to the world that its “road map to democracy” could work by organizing “fair” and “inclusive” general elections planned for next year.
“Prime Minister Thein Sien said the Myanmarese government was paying close attention to this problem (Rohingya boat people). Basically it said it would accept back the Rohingya people as long as they can prove that they are indeed from Myanmar,” Indonesia presidential spokesman Dino Patti Djalal told the press after a meeting between the two countries’ leaders at Merdeka State Palace.
Dino added Indonesia would extend the interim phase of humanitary assistance for 400 Rohingya people stranded in Aceh until a final solution to the problem was found.
The two leaders also touched the sensitive issues on democracy in Myanmar. After listening to Thein Sien’s explanation on Myanmar’s preparations for the next year’s elections, Yudhoyono reminded Myanmar that this was time for the country to prove to the world that it would complete its seven-step road map to democracy.
“The President emphasized the importance of credible, transparent, fair and inclusive election process. He also said Myanmar should not only conduct elections, but most importantly quality elections,” Dino said.
Dino said Yudhoyono did not frankly discussed Myanmarese political detainees issue with Thein Shien. The President’s emphasis on “inclusive” elections, however, was actually intended to politely persuade the junta to release the detainees.
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