Thailand, England seek 'legitimate, credible, inclusive referendum in Myanmar

Mathaba News
Thai Foreign Minister Noppadon and Michael Williams, Special Representative of the British Prime Minister on Friday exchanged views regarding the situation in that country, particularly with regard to the upcoming referendum on the draft constitution and both agreed that the referendum should be legitimate, credible and inclusive to create the political stability and economic prosperity in Myanmar.

Mr. Williams, Special Representative of the British Prime Minister regarding Myanmar, paid a courtesy call Friday on Mr. Noppadon at the Foreign Ministry.

The Thai minister extended a warm welcome to Mr. Williams and accepted his invitation to visit the United Kingdom in early June.

During the planned visit, the Thai foreign minister is scheduled to meet with David Miliband, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom.

Concerned authorities in both countries will hold further discussions relating to affairs in Myanmar.

Mr. Noppadon briefed Mr. Williams on Thailand's policy towards Myanmar, reviewing Thailand continuing view that sanctions have not always resulted in the desired results.

The Thai foreign minister pointed to the recent tragic deaths of 54 undocumented intending migrant workers from Myanmar in southern Thailand's Ranong province is an example showing that many ordinary people in Myanmar simply attempted to escape poverty in the country, which he said was caused by economic sanctions imposed by the international community.

Such distressed people came to Thailand to seek better opportunities. Even worse, the incident "might also involve human trafficking", the Thai foreign minister said.

The two men exchanged views on Myanmar's upcoming referendum on its draft constitution scheduled to be held on May 10, agreed that "the referendum should be legitimate, credible and inclusive to foster political stability and economic prosperity in Myanmar."

Mr. Williams hoped that Thailand would play a greater role in the Myanmar issue as Thailand is a Myanmar's immediate neighbour, and would soon exercise a new role as ASEAN chair.

The British diplomat also expressed concern regarding Myanmar's refusal to permit the international press to observe the referendum, and its decision to restricted the involvement of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in providing humanitarian assistance in Myanmar. (TNA)

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