UN envoy Razali says Aung San Suu Kyi should tour Southeast Asia

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Burma's democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi should visit neighbouring Southeast Asian countries and get a first hand view of development in the region, United Nations special envoy Razali Ismail said Wednesday.

"In time it would make sense for her to look at her neighbours if she wants to have any (political) role in Burma," he told reporters.

"She should look around and see how we have progressed."

Razali said her visit to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations should not be considered an act of interference in Burma's internal affairs.

"No, there is no interference at all here. The decision must be made by her and the government of Burma. We are not demanding that she come out and visit us," he said.

Asked if Asean countries would accept her visit Razali said some Asean ambassadors had already met Aung San Suu Kyi. "That gives the indication."

Razali, who earlier this month returned from his eighth trip to Burma has said that no restrictions were imposed on Aung San Suu Kyi after she was freed in May from 19 months of house arrest.

The UN envoy assumed his post as personal representative of UN chief Kofi Annan in 2000

"She is more positive now. She can travel ... It's like breathing fresh air for her. She has gone out there to meet people and is well received," he said.

Not involved

Razali declined to comment on the action by Burma's military junta to veto a meeting between Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and Aung San Suu Kyi during the premier's visit to the country in mid-August.

"I am not involved in the bilateral aspects of Malaysia and Burma. I do not want to comment on that," he said.

Malaysia is a close ally of Burma in the 10-member Asean grouping, which marked the 35th anniversary of its founding on August 8.

Malaysia is the sixth largest investor in Burma, with more than RM2.3 billion committed to 26 projects over the past 10 years.

Razali is credited with brokering landmark secret talks between the military and Aung San Suu Kyi which began in October 2000 and were aimed at promoting national reconciliation and political reform.

Asean, formed in 1967, groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Burma, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.



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