PHL abstains from voting on UN reso vs Myanmar rights record

The Philippines abstained on a United Nations resolution condemning Myanmar’s human rights record. Philippine deputy permanent representative to the UN Carlos Sorreta said the Philippines did not vote because the resolution was country-specific. "(The Philippines) does not, as a general rule, support country specific resolutions. The Philippines also remains hopeful that current efforts relating to human rights in Myanmar can, and are bearing fruit," Sorreta said in explaining the Philippines' stance on the resolution that UN member states eventually passed. On the other hand, the Philippine Permanent Mission to the UN reiterated its call for continued democratic and human rights reform in Myanmar. "While we have abstained on the vote on this resolution, the Philippine position has always been clear and consistent: the Myanmar government must stand by its commitment to its people for full democratization in the country," Sorreta said. Excerpts of Sorreta's statement were posted Friday on the Department of Foreign Affairs website. Sorreta reiterated the Philippines welcomes the release of Myanmar opposition figure Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Speaking at the UN General Assembly's Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Issues), Sorreta emphasized Suu Kyi's release "should merely be the first step." "(It) should be promptly followed by other measures leading to the return of real democracy, full respect for human rights and genuine national reconciliation for all parties and sectors of Myanmar," he said. Sorreta added that as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and as Myanmar's neighbor, the Philippines "remains hopeful that constructive dialogue will advance democracy and human rights [in that country]." "Among measures that must be taken "is the immediate release of some 2,200 prisoners of conscience, whose physical and political liberties remain restricted," he added. "The Philippines continues to be hopeful that the Myanmar Government will without further delay take the next steps towards the true fulfillment of its own Roadmap to Democracy, through the restoration of the full political, economic and civil rights and freedoms of all people in Myanmar," he said. — LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV