BANGKOK, July 23 (UPI) -- Thailand has called on Myanmar to attend multinational talks to discuss a transition toward democracy.
"We are prepared to host the second Bangkok Process, but we want (Myanmar, formerly known as Burma) to attend," Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai said Thursday. "If (Myanmar) does not attend, it would be of no use."
Thailand organized the first multilateral talks on Myanmar's national reconciliation process, dubbed the "Bangkok Process," last December, when 12 nations attended. A second round was scheduled for last April, but was abruptly canceled when Myanmar refused to attend, with officials claiming they were "busy."
Surakiart said the international community would be more willing to help Burma if it showed signs of democratic progress, The Nation reports.
Asean countries hope a second Bangkok Process could help break the deadlock over the inclusion of new members at the Asia-Europe Meeting scheduled for October.
Asean has proposed Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos for Asem membership in exchange for the inclusion of 10 new European Union countries.
However, the EU strongly oppose making Myanmar a member until substantial political progress in the military-ruled country is evident.
