Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) stated on Nov. 18 that they do not support the U.S. sanctions against Myanmar.
The pronouncement rejected in no unclear terms a U.S. Senate call from two days earlier, urging ASEAN to suspend Myanmar from the organization. The statement comes during preparations for the signing of charter that, among other things, calls for ASEAN members not to interfere in one another’s internal affairs.
The United States is tightening the screws on Myanmar in hopes that opposition forces within the country will replace the current military government with one friendlier to U.S. interests and with fewer ties with China.
The members of ASEAN are Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.
