Myanmar democracy will not lead to chaos -envoy. (MYANMAR-UN-MALAYSIA) 2005-10-12 05:27:46

Myanmar democracy will not lead to chaos -envoy. (MYANMAR-UN-MALAYSIA) 2005-10-12 05:27:46

From Foreign wire stories (w/summaries):

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 (Reuters) - A senior U.N. envoy said on Wednesday Myanmar should move towards democracy as soon as possible and dismissed concerns reportedly expressed by its military junta that the process could lead to Iraq-style chaos.

I dont see any parallels between Myanmar and Iraq," Razali Ismail, U.N. special envoy on Myanmar, told reporters. "Iraq is a very bad case where unilateralism was allowed to happen."

On Tuesday, Malaysias foreign minister said after a trip to Myanmar that the junta was cautious about adopting democracy because it wanted to avoid chaos and a descent into Iraq-style unrest.

They dont want to make any mistakes. They want to ensure that the environment is conducive for democracy and without chaos, Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said.

Myanmars military has run the Southeast Asian nation, formerly known as Burma, since 1962.

The current junta seized power in 1988 and has locked up political opponents, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Her opposition National League for Democracy party won elections in 1990 but the junta refused to hand over power.

The generals have vowed to restore democracy, free political dissidents and draft a new constitution, but Suu Kyi remains in detention. Many Western governments and Asian lawmakers say progress is almost non-existent and doubt the juntas resolve.

Razali, a former Malaysian diplomat, said he did not expect Suu Kyi to be released anytime soon. From all indications, I do not see that happening."

But he said the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), a regional grouping which includes Myanmar, should not give up hope.

Malaysia currently chairs ASEAN, which includes Myanmar, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

REUTERS Reut09:28 10-12-05

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