A top U.S. official says Secretary of State Colin Powell intends to urge the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to demand that Burma enact democratic reforms.
In an interview with the French News Agency, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Lorne Craner says Mr. Powell will bring up the issue at the upcoming ASEAN foreign ministers meeting in Jakarta.
Mr. Craner says Mr. Powell will urge ASEAN to take more action against Burma's military government.
The French News Agency also reports that ASEAN will debate a draft statement calling on Burma to release pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest.
Burma is an ASEAN member.
Information for this report is provided by AFP.