EU Says, RI Should Help Burma

Sumber :

VIVAnews - European Union is expecting that the Burmese government may hold a democratic elections next year. The elections must be fair and free, stated EU Special Envoy for Burma, Piero Fassino.

"The 2010 Elections will be very crucial. Therefore, the European Union wants to improve partnership with Asian countries to encourage the Burmese government organize fair and free elections," said Fassino during a press conference at EU office in Jakarta, Wednesday, March 25.

The Elections in Burma, according to Fassino, may go well if the Burmese government can assure all Burmese citizens and communities participate in the elections. The Burmese government must also assure that the campaigning regulation is applied to all parties prior to the Elections.

Fassino said Asian countries, especially Southeast Asia, has a key role in guiding Burma to democracy. According to Fassino, ASEAN must guarantee that the elections in Burma will have no obstacles.

Fassino mainly focused on Indonesia's role in supporting the Burmese government. The reason for this is that Indonesia is the largest ASEAN country and maintains sound relationship with the Burmese government.

"Indonesia once experienced a transition from a military to civil government," said Fassino.

If Burma managed to set up the elections, Fassino was convinced that the chance to reform will be wide open. Therefore, three solutions that EU proposed to handle the problems in Burma can be successful.

"A dialog between the junta and the opposition should be prepared in the first place. Then all political prisoners must be released. Finally, the junta must be convinced to give guarantee on the implementation of democracy," said Fassino.

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Translated by: Bonardo Maulana Wahono