Myanmar ratifies ASEAN charter
Agence France-Presse
First Posted 14:21:00 07/21/2008
SINGAPORE -- Military-ruled Myanmar on Monday formally ratified the ASEAN Charter, which commits Southeast Asian nations to notions of democracy and human rights.
Foreign Minister Nyan Win delivered Myanmar's instrument of ratification during an annual meeting of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines are the remaining members of the 10-nation bloc which have yet to ratify the charter.
ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan said the charter would come into effect on the 30th day after the 10th member ratifies it.
In the charter, ASEAN members commit "to strengthen democracy, enhance good governance and the rule of law, and to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms."
ASEAN has been widely criticised for its policy of "constructive engagement" regarding Myanmar, which is under European Union and United States sanctions over its human rights record.
Myanmar was also criticised internationally for its delay in allowing foreign aid into the country after a May 2 cyclone that left 138,000 people dead or missing.
It subsequently allowed aid workers to enter under an arrangement with ASEAN and the United Nations.
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