MANILA, Philippines—The British government has cautioned Southeast Asian countries not to allow Myanmar to take the leadership of their regional bloc.
It said Myanmar will need to show “enormous political progress” to deserve the prestigious role that it now seeks.
Myanmar, among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, has sought the annual chairmanship of the 10-member bloc in 2014. Fellow members have not raised any objection but urged it to continue taking steps to realize a long-unfulfilled promise to fully democratize.
US Ambassador to ASEAN David Carden said it’s up to Asean to decide on Myanmar’s leadership role.
He said Washington hopes Myanmar will take seriously the new Asean charter, which includes promotion of human rights.