Timor-Leste bars organizations, activities of groups opposing Myanmar government
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– Phyo/Pearl(NP News)
Timor-Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mr. Bendito dos Santos Freitas, stated that Timor-Leste will not allow organizations opposing the Myanmar government to open offices or engage in illegal opposition activities.
The remarks were made on September 18 during a meeting in Myanmar between Foreign Minister U Than Swe and Minister Freitas.
The two officials also discussed enhancing bilateral relations in line with the ASEAN Charter, principles, and standards, and emphasized the importance of refraining from interfering in each other’s internal affairs.
Regarding this meeting, Dr. Aye Maung, chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told The Statesman that Myanmar is achieving diplomatic success. Dr. Aye Maung said that these meetings are not only a way for Timor-Leste to approach the situation after the upcoming elections, but also a way to approach a position that should be welcomed as an ASEAN member.
As Timor-Leste has previously shown signs of supporting the terrorist group NUG, such a meeting would be an irritating move for the terrorist supporters.
“Whatever happens, it is essentially a matter related to the elections and the post-election situation. That is why it is obvious that Timor-Leste’s approach is not only its own but also its intention to be in line with ASEAN’s founding agreements. The aim is to build a consensus from ASEAN countries including Myanmar which can welcome and accept them as a member state. For Myanmar’s part, it should accept Timor-Leste, which has come to open diplomatic relations and has approached the country through diplomatic channels. We believe that Myanmar should welcome Timor-Leste, considering its potential to emerge as a strong ASEAN member in our elected government's term. That is our remark,” Dr. Aye Maung told The Statesman.
Timor-Leste has also announced that it will not allow organizations opposing the Myanmar government to open offices or carry out illegal opposition activities, and has offered the Myanmar government the opportunity to open a Myanmar embassy in the capital, Dili.
It is also learned that discussions were held on signing agreements similar to those among other ASEAN countries, including a visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and special passports, as well as agreements on visa-free entry aimed at promoting tourism between the two countries.
“From a diplomatic standpoint, it can be said to be a succces for the National Defence and Security Council as well as for the elections. The outcome can be regarded as positive through the diplomatic path. Countries like China, Thailand, India, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam have all welcomed and expressed support for our national elections. Therefore, it can be described as a positive outlook and a successful diplomatic gain for the NDSC,” Dr. Aye Maung continued.
Dr. Aye Maung also believes that the current UN General Assembly is about to begin, and that Myanmar has achieved diplomatic success, putting it in a position to regain its place in the UN.
“The UN General Assembly will convene this month. There could be discussions in the UN Third Committee and the Human Rights Commission regarding the Bengali issue. ASEAN’s approach also shows an intention to resolve the matter of both an elected government and the refugee problem. Whatever the case, during this UN session, our success is that the NUG’s credential l challenge, put forward by Kyaw Moe Tun and other s can be countered. This puts us in a position to regain Myanmar’s representation at the UN. Therefore, it can be said that we have achieved diplomatic success. If Myanmar’s seat at the UN is restored, that would serve as an early gain for the post-election government. These are what we can call the first steps of success,” Dr. Aye Maung said.
Similarly, during Senior General Min Aung Hlaing's visit to China, he met with the Chinese President, who expressed his willingness to continue to support Myanmar's development efforts, including helping with the election, and received political recognition.
In addition, he met and held discussions with Indian Prime Minister Mr. Modi, and other leaders, including the President of Laos. Maj Gen. Zaw Min Tun has said that the visit was a fruitful one for Myanmar.