RP abstains from UN voting over Myanmar rights record By Michaela P. del Callar 11/20/2010

RP abstains from UN voting over Myanmar rights record

By Michaela P. del Callar 11/20/2010
Although considered one of the harshest critics and bashers of Myanmar in Asia, the Philippines has abstained from a United Nations resolution vote condemning the dismal human rights record of the military-ruled country.

While it reiterated its call for continued democratic and human rights reform in Myanmar, the Philip-pines said it abs-tained because it “does not, as a general rule, support country-specific resolutions,” adding that “current efforts relating to human rights in Myanmar can and are bearing fruit.”

“While we have abstained on the vote on this resolution, the Philippine position has always been clear and consistent: the Myanmar govern-ment must stand by its commitment to its people for full democratization in the country,” said Philippine Deputy Permanent Representative Carlos Sorreta in his statement before the UN.

Speaking before the Third Committee, in charge of social, humanitarian and cultural issues, of the UN General Assembly, Sorreta welcomed the release of democracy leader and Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi but emphasized her release “should merely be the first step and should be promptly followed by other measures.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20101120hed5.html