Govt to back Myanmar at UN summit

• Published: 27/02/2012 at 02:28 AM ....

Bangkokpost - Thailand will play a more active role this year in helping Myanmar to fully engage with the international community as the formerly military-led country continues with political reforms.

Permanent secretary for foreign affairs Sihasak Phuangketkaew said Thailand will use the 19th Session of the United Nations' Human Rights Council (UNHRC) meeting in Geneva today to show its readiness to help push Myanmar's engagement.

Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul will represent Thailand at the High Level Segment of the UNHRC meeting that will discuss the Myanmar issue. Mr Sihasak said the EU has in recent years dominated drafting of the UNHRC's resolutions on Myanmar.

"We will try to work with the EU this year to help push for a more constructive resolution so the EU can recognise the positive development in Myanmar which will help open the doors for Myanmar to associate with the outside world," he told the Bangkok Post.

Mr Sihasak said he believed that Myanmar is ready to adjust its stance to have more engagement with other countries.

His resolution to help the Asean country push its positive developments is part of Thailand 's readiness to act as a bridge between Myanmar and foreign countries at the UNHRC meeting, he said.

Besides the Myanmar issue, Foreign Ministry spokesman Thani Thongphakdi said Mr Surapong will underline the importance of human rights to the Thai government and the country's readiness to join the international community in taking responsibility for protecting human rights everywhere.

Mr Surapong will deliver a statement underscoring Thailand 's commitment to democracy and human rights.

In the statement, he will clarify what the government has done in advancing the social and human rights agenda during its seven months in office. This has included the creation of the National Women's Development Fund; public access to quality and equitable health care; the use of technology to enhance the quality of education; and the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities, he said.

The minister will also underline the government's support for the Truth for Reconciliation Commission.

Mr Surapong will also hold bilateral talks with Navanethem Pillay, High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Supachai Panitchpakdi, secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, to promote further cooperation on human rights and development issues.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/281695/govt-to-back-myanmar-at-un-summit