DILI, 03 august 2023 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão urged leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to find solutions to end the Myanmar crisis.
As a young democratic country in the region, Timor-Leste continues to strengthen its democracy and oppose any military dictatorship or coup d’état.
“We urge ASEAN countries to pay attention to the violation of human rights in Myanmar,” Gusmão said after his regular meeting with the President of Republic, José Ramos Horta, in Dili, on thrusday.
As a democratic country, Timor-Leste implements the principles of democracy, including holding free and fair elections, protecting human rights, and upholding the rule of law.
Gusmão expressed his contentment with the world leaders visiting the country to express their appreciation for the progress of democracy in Timor-Leste: “Although we had some problems in the past, there has been no coup d’état in the country.”
Last month, the Foreign Minister of the National Unity Government of Myanmar, Daw Zin Mar Aung, met with the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta, to share experiences on the current situation in Myanmar.
Aung said that Myanmar and Timor-Leste have a common experience in the struggle for democracy and human rights, with many leaders having experiences as political prisoners.
“During the meeting, we exchanged ideas and thoughts on what is currently happening in Myanmar and the President is very encouraging and shows his support for our struggle and how we can work together to address these issues,” she said.
Myanmar is one of the ASEAN countries still struggling for democracy and freedom of expression and movement.
The freedom of movement was highly restricted in Myanmar and those traveling outside their designated townships faced arrest and imprisonment for “illegal movement.”
The National Unity Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar is a Myanmar government in exile formed by the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), a group of elected lawmakers and members of parliament ousted in the 2021 Myanmar coup d’etat.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
