EU defends invitation to Myanmar to attend summit

The European Union has defended its invitation to Myanmar to attend an Asia-Europe summit this week, saying the meeting offers the opportunity to press Rangoon to change.

The current chair of the European Union, Finland invited Myanmar (formerly Burma) despite EU sanctions barring Myanmar's leaders from European visas.

The meeting will begin on Sunday.

The Finnish foreign ministry said the official EU line stipulated that it was possible to issue visas to Myanmar's leaders for multi-national meetings at which human rights and democracy are discussed.

The EU decision to invite Myanmar has been criticised by human rights groups.

- RADIO AUSTRALIA