RP leader condoles with Myanmar people for leader’s death

By Ronron
October 14, 2007

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Sunday condoled with the family of Myanmar Prime Minister Soe Win and the people of his country over his death due to a long illness.

In a statement, Arroyo said “the Philippines is saddened to learn the death” of Win, and “the Government and people of the Philippines would like to convey deepest sympathies and condolences” to his family in this time of bereavement.

“Prime Minister Soe Win’s death comes during a most challenging time when Myanmar has to remain committed to the full implementation of its Roadmap to Democracy,” Arroyo said.

Myanmar has been under military rule for a few years now, and is facing pressure from the international community for the release of political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi.

“The Philippines hopes that despite Prime Minister Soe Win’s death, the Government of Myanmar seizes this opportunity to pursue its goals of national unity, reconciliation and democratization,” Arroyo said./DMS