Brussels - European Union and Asian leaders are set to urge the government of Myanmar to hold free and fair elections and release political prisoners, according to a draft statement prepared for a summit in Brussels ending on Tuesday.
The EU has long called on Myanmar to open up to democratic change, but some Asian states, especially China, have been more circumspect. China is a leading participant in the two-day summit, making any declaration that is adopted potentially significant.
Myanmar is due to hold elections on November 7.
Leaders 'encouraged the government of Myanmar to take the necessary measures to ensure that these elections would be free, fair and inclusive, and would mark a step towards a legitimate, constitutional, civilian system of government,' the draft reads.
Public attention in Europe has particularly been caught by the fate of Aung San Suu Kyi, the pro-democracy leader kept under house arrest by the military leaders of Myanmar.
Leaders at the summit 'touched upon' that issue, the draft said.
'The timely release of those under detention would contribute to these elections to be more inclusive, participatory and transparent,' it added.
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