Marty said developments in Myanmar such as the release of political prisoners by the government had proven that ASEAN`s approach towards Myanmar during the past years was right.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - ASEAN foreign ministers during a retreat session in Siem Reap, Cambodia, on Wednesday called on the international community to lift its sanctions against Myanmar, Indonesia`s representative at the meeting reported.

"After observing the progress that has happened in Myanmar during the past year, ASEAN foreign ministers call on the international community to revoke its sanctions on Myanmar. The foreign ministers also call on the United Nations to extend its cooperation programs to Myanmar not only in the political sector but also in economic and social development," Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa said in a statement telephoned from Siem Reap on Wednesday.

Marty said developments in Myanmar such as the release of political prisoners by the government had proven that ASEAN`s approach towards Myanmar during the past years was right.

However, he reminded ASEAN to focus on maintaining the good momentum in Myanmar.

Earlier, Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said his country would scale back sanctions against Myanmar in recognition of steps taken by the formerly isolated military regime towards democracy and greater regional engagement.

Minister Rudd was quoted by AFP as saying Canberra was revising down its sanctions list to remove ex-ministers who had left politics and tourism officials, and members of the new government would "not be listed at this time".

"We hope positive developments, such as the increased participation of opposition parties in the political process, the release of around 220 political prisoners and new labour laws that will legalise trade unions will continue," Rudd said in a statement.

"In this context we will keep our approach to sanctions under review."

Australia applies financial and travel restrictions to certain individuals and there is a blanket arms embargo on Myanmar which Rudd said "will remain."

Previously British Foreign Secretary William Hague expressed appreciation for the initial steps taken by Myanmar`s new government in reform, saying that Myanmar is moving in the right direction.

"If the country continues on this promising path, as we hope it will, we are ready to offer a new relationship based on friendship and partnership," Hague told Xinhua news agency during his visit to Myanmar recently. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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