Singapore: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao today backed a fledgling dialogue between Myanmar's junta and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to resolve the ongoing crisis in the isolated nation, an official said.

Wen told Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein that the military regime which has been condemned for a September crackdown on dissent, must try to establish stability and democracy, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang said. In talks on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian summit dominated by the fallout from violent suppression of pro-democracy protests, the Chinese premier emphasised the importance of the dialogue process.

"China as a neighbour is very concerned about Myanmar and hopes that all sides can increase dialogue and find a resolution to the current crisis to bring about stability, democracy and development," Qin quoted Wen as saying. In recent weeks, Aung San Suu Kyi has met three times with Labour Minister Aung Kyi, who has been appointed by the junta to handle contacts with her in the wake of international outrage over its crackdown on dissent.

Earlier this month, Aung San Suu Kyi had indicated that she was eager for the talks to move forward and move into a "meaningful and timebound dialogue" with the regime. "China hopes that it is the Myanmar people who will decide country's future and that the international community can offer constructive advice," Wen said, according to Qin. Wen told Thein Sein that China would continue to support the United Nations initiatives led by General Secretary Ban Ki-Moon and special envoy Ibrahim Gambari.

Source : PTI