Scoop - Burma: Torture Is State Policy
Tuesday, 29 September 2009, 4:58 pm
Press Release: Terry Evans
The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) (AAPP) today strongly condemned the widespread ongoing use of torture against political detainees in Burma.
New testimony from political prisoners released under a general amnesty in Burma last week underlines the systematic patterns of abuse and torture of political detainees. In an interview with exile media group Democratic Voice of Burma, former student leader Myo Yan Naung Thein, who was arrested in December 2007, described being kidnapped by unknown assailants, hooded, and taken to an unknown location where he was brutally beaten. He was also denied proper medical treatment and is now unable to walk as a result.
In an interview with Radio Free Asia, another released political prisoner and former student leader arrested in June 1998, Bo Bo – also known as Moe Kyaw Thu – described being hooded and repeatedly assaulted during interrogation.
According to AAPP, 128 political prisoners were released under the latest amnesty. But high-profile political prisoners like labour activist Su Su Nway and comedian Zarganar were not amongst those released. Both suffer from serious heart conditions and have not received adequate medical treatment in prison.
AAPP Secretary Tate Naing said, “Denial of medical treatment is also a very cruel form of torture. For those political prisoners who are in poor health, it is a kind of death sentence.”
So far this month, AAPP has documented the arrests of 36 activists in Burma, including three monks. Those arrested include well-known individual activist and US citizen Kyaw Zaw Lwin also known as Nyi Nyi Aung, detained on 3 September on his arrival at Rangoon International Airport. He was taken to various different interrogation centres where he was kicked and beaten, deprived of food for seven days, and questioned throughout the night. His request for medical treatment for his injuries has so far been denied.
AAPP Joint-Secretary Bo Kyi said, “Even though Burmese domestic law and international law forbids torture, no officials are ever held to account for their actions. There is no doubt about it: torture is state policy in Burma. We are deeply concerned for the safety of those activists recently arrested.”
“The military regime must allow the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burma immediate and unrestricted access to the country to investigate these reports of torture,” added Bo Kyi.
Since its founding in March 2000, AAPP has documented hundreds of instances of torture experienced by political detainees. In 2005, the organisation published the report The Darkness We See: Torture in Burma’s Interrogation Centers and Prisons.
Tuesday, 29 September 2009, 4:58 pm
Press Release: Terry Evans
The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) (AAPP) today strongly condemned the widespread ongoing use of torture against political detainees in Burma.
New testimony from political prisoners released under a general amnesty in Burma last week underlines the systematic patterns of abuse and torture of political detainees. In an interview with exile media group Democratic Voice of Burma, former student leader Myo Yan Naung Thein, who was arrested in December 2007, described being kidnapped by unknown assailants, hooded, and taken to an unknown location where he was brutally beaten. He was also denied proper medical treatment and is now unable to walk as a result.
In an interview with Radio Free Asia, another released political prisoner and former student leader arrested in June 1998, Bo Bo – also known as Moe Kyaw Thu – described being hooded and repeatedly assaulted during interrogation.
According to AAPP, 128 political prisoners were released under the latest amnesty. But high-profile political prisoners like labour activist Su Su Nway and comedian Zarganar were not amongst those released. Both suffer from serious heart conditions and have not received adequate medical treatment in prison.
AAPP Secretary Tate Naing said, “Denial of medical treatment is also a very cruel form of torture. For those political prisoners who are in poor health, it is a kind of death sentence.”
So far this month, AAPP has documented the arrests of 36 activists in Burma, including three monks. Those arrested include well-known individual activist and US citizen Kyaw Zaw Lwin also known as Nyi Nyi Aung, detained on 3 September on his arrival at Rangoon International Airport. He was taken to various different interrogation centres where he was kicked and beaten, deprived of food for seven days, and questioned throughout the night. His request for medical treatment for his injuries has so far been denied.
AAPP Joint-Secretary Bo Kyi said, “Even though Burmese domestic law and international law forbids torture, no officials are ever held to account for their actions. There is no doubt about it: torture is state policy in Burma. We are deeply concerned for the safety of those activists recently arrested.”
“The military regime must allow the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burma immediate and unrestricted access to the country to investigate these reports of torture,” added Bo Kyi.
Since its founding in March 2000, AAPP has documented hundreds of instances of torture experienced by political detainees. In 2005, the organisation published the report The Darkness We See: Torture in Burma’s Interrogation Centers and Prisons.
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US links talks with Myanmar to NKorea
By FOSTER KLUG, Associated Press Writer – Mon Sep 28, 3:16 pm ET
WASHINGTON (AP) – The top U.S. diplomat for East Asia said Monday that direct U.S. engagement with Myanmar's military leaders could provide crucial answers on the junta's dealings with North Korea.
The Obama administration's seven-month policy review has resulted in a decision to engage in direct high-level talks in an effort to promote democracy in Myanmar. That is a sharp break with the former Bush administration's policy of shunning Myanmar to protest repeated crackdowns on attempts to reinstate democratic government in the Southeast Asian nation.
Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell told reporters that the U.S. policy change on the country, which is also known as Burma, is a recognition that neither isolation nor engagement had improved miserable living conditions or political freedoms in Myanmar.
"For the first time in memory, the Burmese leadership is showing an interest in engaging with the United States, and we intend to explore that interest," Campbell said.
He also highlighted the ability to look into what he said were recent U.S. concerns about military ties between Myanmar and North Korea that "require greater focus and dialogue."
When asked about those links, Campbell would not provide specifics.
In July, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton expressed worry during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations forum that North Korea, with its history of illicit sales of missiles and nuclear technology, had begun developing ties to Myanmar's military dictatorship.
U.S. officials also have mentioned the possibility that North Korea could be cooperating with Myanmar on a nuclear weapons program, although they have said intelligence on the matter was incomplete.
International unease escalated recently when a North Korean freighter headed toward Myanmar with undisclosed cargo. Shadowed by the U.S. Navy, it eventually reversed course and returned home.
Campbell said that although the United States is willing to begin "a long and difficult process" of engagement, any improvement of ties between the countries will depend on how willing Myanmar is to release almost 2,200 political prisoners and allow democratic changes.
Tough U.S. sanctions, Campbell said, will remain in place until the United States sees "concrete progress toward reform" in Myanmar, which has been ruled by the military since 1962; more sanctions could be imposed if changes are not forthcoming.
"Lifting sanctions now would send the wrong signal," he said.
Campbell said details still are being worked out, but contact between himself and Myanmar officials could happen at the United Nations this week. On Monday, Democratic Sen. Jim Webb, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on East Asia, was to meet with Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein in New York City.
Webb recently visited Myanmar and met with the country's ruling general and with detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy party handily won the country's last elections in 1990. The military never honored those results.
Suu Kyi has been detained for 14 of the past 20 years, and a global groundswell of international pressure to release the 64-year-old opposition leader has kept the country under sanctions in recent years.
Last month, Suu Kyi was sentenced to another 18-month stint under house arrest for allowing an American intruder to stay at her home. The sentence ensures that she cannot participate in next year's election.
Campbell said that the United States is skeptical that elections next year "will be either free or fair, but we will stress to the Burmese the conditions that we consider necessary for a credible electoral process."
Aung Din, executive director for the U.S. Campaign for Burma, said his group supported the new U.S. policy but urged the Obama administration to support an arms embargo against Myanmar, investigate "mass atrocities" and impose other new sanctions if Myanmar's leaders do not cooperate with the opposition and stop abusing civilians.
By FOSTER KLUG, Associated Press Writer – Mon Sep 28, 3:16 pm ET
WASHINGTON (AP) – The top U.S. diplomat for East Asia said Monday that direct U.S. engagement with Myanmar's military leaders could provide crucial answers on the junta's dealings with North Korea.
The Obama administration's seven-month policy review has resulted in a decision to engage in direct high-level talks in an effort to promote democracy in Myanmar. That is a sharp break with the former Bush administration's policy of shunning Myanmar to protest repeated crackdowns on attempts to reinstate democratic government in the Southeast Asian nation.
Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell told reporters that the U.S. policy change on the country, which is also known as Burma, is a recognition that neither isolation nor engagement had improved miserable living conditions or political freedoms in Myanmar.
"For the first time in memory, the Burmese leadership is showing an interest in engaging with the United States, and we intend to explore that interest," Campbell said.
He also highlighted the ability to look into what he said were recent U.S. concerns about military ties between Myanmar and North Korea that "require greater focus and dialogue."
When asked about those links, Campbell would not provide specifics.
In July, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton expressed worry during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations forum that North Korea, with its history of illicit sales of missiles and nuclear technology, had begun developing ties to Myanmar's military dictatorship.
U.S. officials also have mentioned the possibility that North Korea could be cooperating with Myanmar on a nuclear weapons program, although they have said intelligence on the matter was incomplete.
International unease escalated recently when a North Korean freighter headed toward Myanmar with undisclosed cargo. Shadowed by the U.S. Navy, it eventually reversed course and returned home.
Campbell said that although the United States is willing to begin "a long and difficult process" of engagement, any improvement of ties between the countries will depend on how willing Myanmar is to release almost 2,200 political prisoners and allow democratic changes.
Tough U.S. sanctions, Campbell said, will remain in place until the United States sees "concrete progress toward reform" in Myanmar, which has been ruled by the military since 1962; more sanctions could be imposed if changes are not forthcoming.
"Lifting sanctions now would send the wrong signal," he said.
Campbell said details still are being worked out, but contact between himself and Myanmar officials could happen at the United Nations this week. On Monday, Democratic Sen. Jim Webb, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on East Asia, was to meet with Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein in New York City.
Webb recently visited Myanmar and met with the country's ruling general and with detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy party handily won the country's last elections in 1990. The military never honored those results.
Suu Kyi has been detained for 14 of the past 20 years, and a global groundswell of international pressure to release the 64-year-old opposition leader has kept the country under sanctions in recent years.
Last month, Suu Kyi was sentenced to another 18-month stint under house arrest for allowing an American intruder to stay at her home. The sentence ensures that she cannot participate in next year's election.
Campbell said that the United States is skeptical that elections next year "will be either free or fair, but we will stress to the Burmese the conditions that we consider necessary for a credible electoral process."
Aung Din, executive director for the U.S. Campaign for Burma, said his group supported the new U.S. policy but urged the Obama administration to support an arms embargo against Myanmar, investigate "mass atrocities" and impose other new sanctions if Myanmar's leaders do not cooperate with the opposition and stop abusing civilians.
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US opens dialogue with Myanmar
by Shaun Tandon – Mon Sep 28, 10:13 pm ET
WASHINGTON (AFP) – The United States has said it is starting a dialogue with Myanmar to try and open up the military-led nation, but insisted it would keep sanctions until the regime makes progress on democracy.
Wrapping up a months-long policy review on Myanmar, President Barack Obama's administration said that while neither dialogue nor pressure had worked thus far, fresh engagement might bring "new thinking" and reforms by the junta.
"For the first time in memory the Burmese leadership has shown an interest in engaging with the United States and we intend to explore that interest," said Kurt Campbell, the assistant secretary of state for Asia, using Myanmar's former name of Burma.
"We intend to begin a direct dialogue with Burmese authorities to lay out the path towards better relations," Campbell told reporters.
He said the Obama administration -- which has made reaching out to arch US foes such as Iran and Cuba a key policy -- wanted a "sustained process of interaction" with Myanmar, after only sporadic contacts in recent years.
But Campbell said that the United States would not immediately ease sanctions and would press for the unconditional release of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, who has spent most of the past two decades under house arrest.
"Lifting sanctions now would send the wrong signal," Campbell said. "We will tell the Burmese that we will discuss easing sanctions only if they take actions on our core concerns."
Campbell called on Myanmar to free all political prisoners and end conflicts with ethnic minorities and said the United States also reserved the right to expand sanctions depending on events.
Aung Din, a former political prisoner who now heads the US Campaign for Burma, gave a guarded reaction to the policy review, saying that Washington should tighten sanctions against Myanmar until it ends human rights violations.
"The more leverage the US holds, the better for the engagement," Aung Din told AFP.
"We also hope that US engagement with the regime would not be an open-ended process, but with a reasonable time-frame and clear benchmarks," he said.
The head of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, which has been critical of Myanmar's rights record, said that the administration should not talk to the junta until it sets exact goals in coordination with US allies.
"Only coordinated sanctions and coordinated diplomacy can convince Burma's military that they have lost the fight with world opinion and need a democratic transformation," said Leonard Leo, chair of the government advisory group.
Campbell said he would consult widely with US allies and Myanmar's neighbors including China, which has been the key commercial and military backer of the junta.
At the United Nations last week, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton briefed nations interested in Myanmar about the policy shift. She said the "basic objectives" had not changed but that the United States was seeking engagement rather than confrontation.
Myanmar's prime minister, General Thein Sein, on Monday demanded an end to economic sanctions in an address to the UN General Assembly.
"Sanctions are being employed as a political tool against Myanmar and we consider them unjust," said Thein Sein, the highest-ranking Myanmar official to address the General Assembly in 14 years. "Such acts must be stopped."
The United States and the European Union impose sweeping sanctions including on Myanmar's lucrative gem industry. They tightened measures after the junta crushed protests led by Buddhist monks two years ago, killing at least 31 people.
Thein Sein met in New York with US Senator Jim Webb, a strong advocate for a new course on Myanmar, who paid a rare visit to the country last month.
Webb hailed the new policy on Myanmar as a signal "that we have the potential to change the dynamic of this important relationship."
Campbell said that the United States would talk to Myanmar about elections scheduled next year but for the time being was "skeptical" about the vote.
The elections would be the country's first since 1990, when Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won overwhelmingly but was prevented from taking power.
by Shaun Tandon – Mon Sep 28, 10:13 pm ET
WASHINGTON (AFP) – The United States has said it is starting a dialogue with Myanmar to try and open up the military-led nation, but insisted it would keep sanctions until the regime makes progress on democracy.
Wrapping up a months-long policy review on Myanmar, President Barack Obama's administration said that while neither dialogue nor pressure had worked thus far, fresh engagement might bring "new thinking" and reforms by the junta.
"For the first time in memory the Burmese leadership has shown an interest in engaging with the United States and we intend to explore that interest," said Kurt Campbell, the assistant secretary of state for Asia, using Myanmar's former name of Burma.
"We intend to begin a direct dialogue with Burmese authorities to lay out the path towards better relations," Campbell told reporters.
He said the Obama administration -- which has made reaching out to arch US foes such as Iran and Cuba a key policy -- wanted a "sustained process of interaction" with Myanmar, after only sporadic contacts in recent years.
But Campbell said that the United States would not immediately ease sanctions and would press for the unconditional release of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, who has spent most of the past two decades under house arrest.
"Lifting sanctions now would send the wrong signal," Campbell said. "We will tell the Burmese that we will discuss easing sanctions only if they take actions on our core concerns."
Campbell called on Myanmar to free all political prisoners and end conflicts with ethnic minorities and said the United States also reserved the right to expand sanctions depending on events.
Aung Din, a former political prisoner who now heads the US Campaign for Burma, gave a guarded reaction to the policy review, saying that Washington should tighten sanctions against Myanmar until it ends human rights violations.
"The more leverage the US holds, the better for the engagement," Aung Din told AFP.
"We also hope that US engagement with the regime would not be an open-ended process, but with a reasonable time-frame and clear benchmarks," he said.
The head of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, which has been critical of Myanmar's rights record, said that the administration should not talk to the junta until it sets exact goals in coordination with US allies.
"Only coordinated sanctions and coordinated diplomacy can convince Burma's military that they have lost the fight with world opinion and need a democratic transformation," said Leonard Leo, chair of the government advisory group.
Campbell said he would consult widely with US allies and Myanmar's neighbors including China, which has been the key commercial and military backer of the junta.
At the United Nations last week, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton briefed nations interested in Myanmar about the policy shift. She said the "basic objectives" had not changed but that the United States was seeking engagement rather than confrontation.
Myanmar's prime minister, General Thein Sein, on Monday demanded an end to economic sanctions in an address to the UN General Assembly.
"Sanctions are being employed as a political tool against Myanmar and we consider them unjust," said Thein Sein, the highest-ranking Myanmar official to address the General Assembly in 14 years. "Such acts must be stopped."
The United States and the European Union impose sweeping sanctions including on Myanmar's lucrative gem industry. They tightened measures after the junta crushed protests led by Buddhist monks two years ago, killing at least 31 people.
Thein Sein met in New York with US Senator Jim Webb, a strong advocate for a new course on Myanmar, who paid a rare visit to the country last month.
Webb hailed the new policy on Myanmar as a signal "that we have the potential to change the dynamic of this important relationship."
Campbell said that the United States would talk to Myanmar about elections scheduled next year but for the time being was "skeptical" about the vote.
The elections would be the country's first since 1990, when Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won overwhelmingly but was prevented from taking power.
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Myanmar PM meets U.S. senator, promises reforms
By Louis Charbonneau – Mon Sep 28, 5:37 pm ET
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – Myanmar's prime minister met U.S. Senator Jim Webb on Monday after telling the U.N. General Assembly that the military rulers are pressing ahead with democratic reforms but want an end to sanctions.
Webb, who visited Myanmar in August, held talks with General Thein Sein, prime minister of the country formerly known as Burma, in New York on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
"The meeting was a continuation of a dialogue begun last month," Webb, the Democratic chairman of the Senate subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, said in a statement after the meeting.
"The (U.S.) administration's new policy and the commitment of the Myanmar government to holding elections next year are both signals that we have the potential to change the dynamic of this important relationship."
The administration of President Barack Obama has decided to pursue dialogue with Myanmar's military rulers while leaving open the possibility that it could expand U.S. sanctions.
Webb traveled to Myanmar last month and secured the release of an American tourist whose unsolicited visit to opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's house in Yangon was the reason cited by the government to prosecute her and the tourist for violating a new security law.
Thein Sein is the highest ranking Myanmar official to address the General Assembly since the junta's second-in-command, Maung Aye, spoke at the annual gathering of world leaders in New York in 1995. In his speech, he brushed aside attempts by outsiders to dictate reforms to the junta.
"Democracy cannot be imposed from the outside and a system suitable for Myanmar can only be born out of Myanmar society," Thein Sein told the 192-nation Assembly. "The transition to democracy is proceeding."
U.S. TO OPEN DIRECT TALKS WITH MYANMAR
Myanmar is to hold multiparty elections next year, although the recent sentencing of Suu Kyi to a further 18 months of detention has led the West to question whether the elections will be a sham.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also met Thein Sein at U.N. headquarters and told him his government needs to hold "credible and inclusive elections" and release Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners, Ban's press office said.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell told reporters in Washington that the United States has agreed to engage diplomatically with Myanmar after the junta expressed an interest in reopening discussions with Washington.
Campbell said the first direct contacts would take place this week on the sidelines of the General Assembly and that he would be part of the U.S. team.
"We recognized that ultimately we need to change our methods but not our goals," Campbell said, noting that concern about Myanmar's relationship with North Korea was among the factors behind the decision.
Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party said in Yangon the Nobel Peace Prize laureate has requested a meeting with U.S., European Union and Australian diplomats to discuss the sanctions imposed on her country.
The United States approved sanctions against Myanmar in 1988, when an estimated 3,000 people were killed when the army crushed pro-democracy demonstrations. The EU and Australia also have sanctions in place.
Thein Sein told the Assembly the sanctions against Myanmar were "unjust" and "must be stopped."
Campbell said the United States would look for concrete signs of progress before moving to drop sanctions and he held out the possibility that more targeted sanctions could be imposed if the situation in Myanmar took a turn for the worse.
Western governments and the United Nations have urged the junta to free all political prisoners, including Suu Kyi, who has been detained in some way for 14 of the past 20 years.
By Louis Charbonneau – Mon Sep 28, 5:37 pm ET
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – Myanmar's prime minister met U.S. Senator Jim Webb on Monday after telling the U.N. General Assembly that the military rulers are pressing ahead with democratic reforms but want an end to sanctions.
Webb, who visited Myanmar in August, held talks with General Thein Sein, prime minister of the country formerly known as Burma, in New York on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
"The meeting was a continuation of a dialogue begun last month," Webb, the Democratic chairman of the Senate subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, said in a statement after the meeting.
"The (U.S.) administration's new policy and the commitment of the Myanmar government to holding elections next year are both signals that we have the potential to change the dynamic of this important relationship."
The administration of President Barack Obama has decided to pursue dialogue with Myanmar's military rulers while leaving open the possibility that it could expand U.S. sanctions.
Webb traveled to Myanmar last month and secured the release of an American tourist whose unsolicited visit to opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's house in Yangon was the reason cited by the government to prosecute her and the tourist for violating a new security law.
Thein Sein is the highest ranking Myanmar official to address the General Assembly since the junta's second-in-command, Maung Aye, spoke at the annual gathering of world leaders in New York in 1995. In his speech, he brushed aside attempts by outsiders to dictate reforms to the junta.
"Democracy cannot be imposed from the outside and a system suitable for Myanmar can only be born out of Myanmar society," Thein Sein told the 192-nation Assembly. "The transition to democracy is proceeding."
U.S. TO OPEN DIRECT TALKS WITH MYANMAR
Myanmar is to hold multiparty elections next year, although the recent sentencing of Suu Kyi to a further 18 months of detention has led the West to question whether the elections will be a sham.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also met Thein Sein at U.N. headquarters and told him his government needs to hold "credible and inclusive elections" and release Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners, Ban's press office said.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell told reporters in Washington that the United States has agreed to engage diplomatically with Myanmar after the junta expressed an interest in reopening discussions with Washington.
Campbell said the first direct contacts would take place this week on the sidelines of the General Assembly and that he would be part of the U.S. team.
"We recognized that ultimately we need to change our methods but not our goals," Campbell said, noting that concern about Myanmar's relationship with North Korea was among the factors behind the decision.
Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party said in Yangon the Nobel Peace Prize laureate has requested a meeting with U.S., European Union and Australian diplomats to discuss the sanctions imposed on her country.
The United States approved sanctions against Myanmar in 1988, when an estimated 3,000 people were killed when the army crushed pro-democracy demonstrations. The EU and Australia also have sanctions in place.
Thein Sein told the Assembly the sanctions against Myanmar were "unjust" and "must be stopped."
Campbell said the United States would look for concrete signs of progress before moving to drop sanctions and he held out the possibility that more targeted sanctions could be imposed if the situation in Myanmar took a turn for the worse.
Western governments and the United Nations have urged the junta to free all political prisoners, including Suu Kyi, who has been detained in some way for 14 of the past 20 years.
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Myanmar PM - Reforms can't be imposed from outside
Louis Charbonneau, Reuters September 29, 2009, 5:44 am
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Democratic reforms in Myanmar are under way but cannot be dictated by outsiders, the prime minister of the military-ruled Asian country said on Monday ahead of talks between Myanmar and U.S. officials.
General Thein Sein was the highest ranking Myanmar official to address the U.N. General Assembly since the junta's second-in-command, Maung Aye, spoke at the annual gathering of world leaders in New York in 1995.
"Democracy cannot be imposed from the outside and a system suitable for Myanmar can only be born out of Myanmar society," Thein Sein, prime minister of the country formerly known as Burma, told the Assembly.
"Citizens of Myanmar are the ones who can best determine their future," he said. "They can judge the merits of democracy and make adjustments in accordance with their genius."
Myanmar is scheduled to hold multiparty elections next year, though the recent sentencing of detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to a further 18 months of detention has led the West to question whether the elections will be a sham.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met with Thein Sein and told him the government needs to hold "credible and inclusive elections" and release Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, Ban's press office said.
Separately, the office of U.S. Senator Jim Webb said he also met with Thein Sein in New York. Webb travelled to Myanmar last month and secured the release of an American tourist whose unsolicited visit to Suu Kyi's house in Yangon was the reason cited by the government to prosecute the opposition leader and the tourist.
U.S. TO OPEN DIRECT TALKS WITH MYANMAR
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell told reporters in Washington that the United States has agreed to engage diplomatically with Myanmar after the junta expressed an interest in reopening discussions with Washington.
Campbell said the first direct contacts between the two sides would take place this week on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly and that he would be part of the U.S. team.
"We recognized that ultimately we need to change our methods, but not our goals," Campbell said, noting that concerns about Myanmar's relationship with North Korea was among the factors behind the decision.
Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party said in Yangon that the Nobel Peace Prize laureate has requested a meeting with U.S., European Union and Australian diplomats to discuss the sanctions imposed on her country.
The United States approved sanctions against Myanmar in 1988, when an estimated 3,000 people were killed after the army violently crushed pro-democracy demonstrations. The EU and Australia also have sanctions in place.
Thein Sein told the Assembly that the sanctions against Myanmar were "unjust" and "must be stopped."
Campbell said the United States would look for concrete signs of progress before moving to drop sanctions, and held out the possibility that more targeted sanctions could be imposed if the situation in Myanmar took a turn for the worse.
Western governments and the United Nations have urged the junta to free all political prisoners, including Suu Kyi, who has been detained in some way for 14 of the past 20 years.
"The transition to democracy is proceeding," Thein Sein told the 192-nation Assembly. "Our focus is not on the narrow interest of individuals, organizations or parties but on the larger interest of the entire people of the nation."
He added that the government has released some 7,114 prisoners, though U.N. officials said that only a small number of those were political prisoners.
Ban has said that the release was insufficient.
Louis Charbonneau, Reuters September 29, 2009, 5:44 am
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Democratic reforms in Myanmar are under way but cannot be dictated by outsiders, the prime minister of the military-ruled Asian country said on Monday ahead of talks between Myanmar and U.S. officials.
General Thein Sein was the highest ranking Myanmar official to address the U.N. General Assembly since the junta's second-in-command, Maung Aye, spoke at the annual gathering of world leaders in New York in 1995.
"Democracy cannot be imposed from the outside and a system suitable for Myanmar can only be born out of Myanmar society," Thein Sein, prime minister of the country formerly known as Burma, told the Assembly.
"Citizens of Myanmar are the ones who can best determine their future," he said. "They can judge the merits of democracy and make adjustments in accordance with their genius."
Myanmar is scheduled to hold multiparty elections next year, though the recent sentencing of detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to a further 18 months of detention has led the West to question whether the elections will be a sham.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met with Thein Sein and told him the government needs to hold "credible and inclusive elections" and release Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, Ban's press office said.
Separately, the office of U.S. Senator Jim Webb said he also met with Thein Sein in New York. Webb travelled to Myanmar last month and secured the release of an American tourist whose unsolicited visit to Suu Kyi's house in Yangon was the reason cited by the government to prosecute the opposition leader and the tourist.
U.S. TO OPEN DIRECT TALKS WITH MYANMAR
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell told reporters in Washington that the United States has agreed to engage diplomatically with Myanmar after the junta expressed an interest in reopening discussions with Washington.
Campbell said the first direct contacts between the two sides would take place this week on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly and that he would be part of the U.S. team.
"We recognized that ultimately we need to change our methods, but not our goals," Campbell said, noting that concerns about Myanmar's relationship with North Korea was among the factors behind the decision.
Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party said in Yangon that the Nobel Peace Prize laureate has requested a meeting with U.S., European Union and Australian diplomats to discuss the sanctions imposed on her country.
The United States approved sanctions against Myanmar in 1988, when an estimated 3,000 people were killed after the army violently crushed pro-democracy demonstrations. The EU and Australia also have sanctions in place.
Thein Sein told the Assembly that the sanctions against Myanmar were "unjust" and "must be stopped."
Campbell said the United States would look for concrete signs of progress before moving to drop sanctions, and held out the possibility that more targeted sanctions could be imposed if the situation in Myanmar took a turn for the worse.
Western governments and the United Nations have urged the junta to free all political prisoners, including Suu Kyi, who has been detained in some way for 14 of the past 20 years.
"The transition to democracy is proceeding," Thein Sein told the 192-nation Assembly. "Our focus is not on the narrow interest of individuals, organizations or parties but on the larger interest of the entire people of the nation."
He added that the government has released some 7,114 prisoners, though U.N. officials said that only a small number of those were political prisoners.
Ban has said that the release was insufficient.
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Myanmar says restive China border area now stable
Tue Sep 29, 2009 7:49pm IST
BEIJING (Reuters) - Peace has now more or less returned to a part of Myanmar which erupted in violence last month, pushing thousands of refugees into China, the country's ambassador to Beijing was quoted as saying on Tuesday.
In August, Myanmar's army overran Kokang, a territory that lies along the border with the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan and was controlled for years by an ethnic Chinese militia that paid little heed to the central government.
Many of the refugees were ethnic Chinese, some of whom were Chinese citizens, and complained their houses and businesses had been sacked and looted during the violence.
Last week, China rapped the former Burma over the violence, demanding the government protect Chinese citizens and make sure such an incident did not happen again.
Myanmar's ambassador to China, Thein Lwin, told the official China News Service that Kokang was now peaceful again, and that he had "sympathy" for residents' losses caused by the clashes.
He said he was "deeply grieved" at the death of two Chinese during the unrest.
"At present, Kokang has basically returned to normal, and all legal Chinese enterprises have already reopened," he was paraphrased as saying.
"The Myanmar embassy in China has kept in close touch and cooperated with the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and have worked hard together to make sure this incident was solved in the most appropriate way."
Tue Sep 29, 2009 7:49pm IST
BEIJING (Reuters) - Peace has now more or less returned to a part of Myanmar which erupted in violence last month, pushing thousands of refugees into China, the country's ambassador to Beijing was quoted as saying on Tuesday.
In August, Myanmar's army overran Kokang, a territory that lies along the border with the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan and was controlled for years by an ethnic Chinese militia that paid little heed to the central government.
Many of the refugees were ethnic Chinese, some of whom were Chinese citizens, and complained their houses and businesses had been sacked and looted during the violence.
Last week, China rapped the former Burma over the violence, demanding the government protect Chinese citizens and make sure such an incident did not happen again.
Myanmar's ambassador to China, Thein Lwin, told the official China News Service that Kokang was now peaceful again, and that he had "sympathy" for residents' losses caused by the clashes.
He said he was "deeply grieved" at the death of two Chinese during the unrest.
"At present, Kokang has basically returned to normal, and all legal Chinese enterprises have already reopened," he was paraphrased as saying.
"The Myanmar embassy in China has kept in close touch and cooperated with the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and have worked hard together to make sure this incident was solved in the most appropriate way."
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Tuesday September 29, 2009
The Star Online - EXCLUSIVE - U.S., Myanmar to meet in New York on Tuesday
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and Myanmar plan to open a high-level dialogue on Tuesday at a meeting in New York, a source familiar with the matter said.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell plans to meet U Thaung, Myanmar's minister of science, technology and labour, said the source, who spoke on condition that he not be identified because the meeting has yet to be made public.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton last week said that the United States would pursue deeper engagement with Myanmar's military rulers to try to spur democratic reform but will not ease sanctions for now.
While acknowledging economic sanctions had failed to bring about change in Myanmar, Clinton said Washington had concluded in a policy review that it had to maintain them while enhancing its dialogue with the isolated Southeast Asian nation.
Myanmar plans next year to hold its first election in two decades, which the junta says will bring an end to almost five decades of unbroken military rule. Many analysts suspect the generals will still hold the real power.
Washington has gradually tightened sanctions on the generals who rule the country, formerly known as Burma, to try to force them into political rapprochement with Nobel laureate and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
The Star Online - EXCLUSIVE - U.S., Myanmar to meet in New York on Tuesday
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and Myanmar plan to open a high-level dialogue on Tuesday at a meeting in New York, a source familiar with the matter said.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell plans to meet U Thaung, Myanmar's minister of science, technology and labour, said the source, who spoke on condition that he not be identified because the meeting has yet to be made public.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton last week said that the United States would pursue deeper engagement with Myanmar's military rulers to try to spur democratic reform but will not ease sanctions for now.
While acknowledging economic sanctions had failed to bring about change in Myanmar, Clinton said Washington had concluded in a policy review that it had to maintain them while enhancing its dialogue with the isolated Southeast Asian nation.
Myanmar plans next year to hold its first election in two decades, which the junta says will bring an end to almost five decades of unbroken military rule. Many analysts suspect the generals will still hold the real power.
Washington has gradually tightened sanctions on the generals who rule the country, formerly known as Burma, to try to force them into political rapprochement with Nobel laureate and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
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Washington Post - U.S. Planning New Overtures to Burma
Increased Humanitarian Aid, Round of Talks Aimed at Improving Relations
By Colum Lynch, Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 28 -- The Obama administration pledged Monday to increase humanitarian assistance to Burma and start its first detailed talks with Burmese authorities in an effort to build better relations with the reclusive military junta.
Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said the United States will leave in place existing U.S. sanctions on Burma, which is also known as Myanmar, until its military rulers make "concrete progress" on democratic reforms. But he also said efforts at more conciliatory relations will probably continue even if the Burmese government does not hold credible democratic elections next year.
"We intend to begin a direct dialogue with the Burmese authorities," Campbell told reporters at the State Department. "We are prepared to sit down, but also recognize that nothing has changed yet on the ground."
The announcement came after Burma's prime minister, Gen. Thein Sein, spoke at the U.N. General Assembly, becoming the most senior Burmese official to speak here in nearly 15 years. He called for an end to sanctions and appealed for more funding to rebuild communities devastated in the spring of 2008 by Cyclone Nargis.
Sein also sought to deflect calls from U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and other foreign leaders that Burma release its political prisoners, including detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, so they can participate in the elections.
"Our focus is not on the narrow interest of individuals, organizations or parties but on the larger interest of the entire people of the nation," he said. "We have urged all citizens, whether they agree with us or not, to actively participate in the process without losing sight of the democratic goal."
Sein also met in New York with Sen. James Webb (D-Va.), who has pressed for improved relations with Burma. "The administration's new policy and the commitment of the Myanmar government to holding elections next year are both signals that we have the potential to change the dynamic of this important relationship," Webb said in a statement.
The administration has been struggling for more than seven months to find a policy that can coax Burma out of its isolation and compel it to embrace democratic change. Last week, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said at a meeting of the Group of Friends of Burma, which Ban established, that sanctions alone "have not produced the results that had been hoped for on behalf of the people of Burma."
Campbell said that the administration is planning to appoint a special envoy to coordinate diplomacy with Burma, but that he expects the "first substantive interaction" with the government to take place in New York this week, on the sidelines of the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations.
He said the talks will focus on ways the two sides could stem the Burmese drug trade, recover remains of U.S. servicemen who died in Burma during World War II, and sever the government's military links to North Korea. In June, a North Korean ship was tracked by the U.S. Navy as it headed toward Burma, raising concerns that it might have been delivering banned weapons.
Campbell said the United States will press Burma to release all political prisoners, including Suu Kyi; improve its human rights record; pursue peace with armed ethnic minority groups; and begin a credible process of national reconciliation with the country's political opposition parties and ethnic minorities.
"If Burma makes meaningful progress toward these goals, it will be possible to improve the relationship with the United States in a step-by-step process," he said. "We recognize that this will likely be a long and difficult process, and we are prepared to sustain our efforts on this front."
Increased Humanitarian Aid, Round of Talks Aimed at Improving Relations
By Colum Lynch, Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 28 -- The Obama administration pledged Monday to increase humanitarian assistance to Burma and start its first detailed talks with Burmese authorities in an effort to build better relations with the reclusive military junta.
Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said the United States will leave in place existing U.S. sanctions on Burma, which is also known as Myanmar, until its military rulers make "concrete progress" on democratic reforms. But he also said efforts at more conciliatory relations will probably continue even if the Burmese government does not hold credible democratic elections next year.
"We intend to begin a direct dialogue with the Burmese authorities," Campbell told reporters at the State Department. "We are prepared to sit down, but also recognize that nothing has changed yet on the ground."
The announcement came after Burma's prime minister, Gen. Thein Sein, spoke at the U.N. General Assembly, becoming the most senior Burmese official to speak here in nearly 15 years. He called for an end to sanctions and appealed for more funding to rebuild communities devastated in the spring of 2008 by Cyclone Nargis.
Sein also sought to deflect calls from U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and other foreign leaders that Burma release its political prisoners, including detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, so they can participate in the elections.
"Our focus is not on the narrow interest of individuals, organizations or parties but on the larger interest of the entire people of the nation," he said. "We have urged all citizens, whether they agree with us or not, to actively participate in the process without losing sight of the democratic goal."
Sein also met in New York with Sen. James Webb (D-Va.), who has pressed for improved relations with Burma. "The administration's new policy and the commitment of the Myanmar government to holding elections next year are both signals that we have the potential to change the dynamic of this important relationship," Webb said in a statement.
The administration has been struggling for more than seven months to find a policy that can coax Burma out of its isolation and compel it to embrace democratic change. Last week, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said at a meeting of the Group of Friends of Burma, which Ban established, that sanctions alone "have not produced the results that had been hoped for on behalf of the people of Burma."
Campbell said that the administration is planning to appoint a special envoy to coordinate diplomacy with Burma, but that he expects the "first substantive interaction" with the government to take place in New York this week, on the sidelines of the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations.
He said the talks will focus on ways the two sides could stem the Burmese drug trade, recover remains of U.S. servicemen who died in Burma during World War II, and sever the government's military links to North Korea. In June, a North Korean ship was tracked by the U.S. Navy as it headed toward Burma, raising concerns that it might have been delivering banned weapons.
Campbell said the United States will press Burma to release all political prisoners, including Suu Kyi; improve its human rights record; pursue peace with armed ethnic minority groups; and begin a credible process of national reconciliation with the country's political opposition parties and ethnic minorities.
"If Burma makes meaningful progress toward these goals, it will be possible to improve the relationship with the United States in a step-by-step process," he said. "We recognize that this will likely be a long and difficult process, and we are prepared to sustain our efforts on this front."
***************************************************************
US to consult India, China on its Burma policy
Lalit K Jha, STAFF WRITER 10:41 HRS IST
Washington, Sept 29 (PTI) Announcing its policy to enter into a dialogue with Myanmar's military junta, the Obama Administration today said it would actively consult and seek the help of countries like India and China as part of its new Burma policy.
"We will intensify our engagement with ASEAN, China, and India to press the Burmese leadership to reform and to participate responsibly in the international community," Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Public Affairs Kurt Campbell said.
Lalit K Jha, STAFF WRITER 10:41 HRS IST
Washington, Sept 29 (PTI) Announcing its policy to enter into a dialogue with Myanmar's military junta, the Obama Administration today said it would actively consult and seek the help of countries like India and China as part of its new Burma policy.
"We will intensify our engagement with ASEAN, China, and India to press the Burmese leadership to reform and to participate responsibly in the international community," Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Public Affairs Kurt Campbell said.
***************************************************************
Ban Ki-moon demands release of Suu Kyi
Betwa Sharma, STAFF WRITER 3:48 HRS IST
United Nations, Sept 29 (PTI) UN Chief Ban Ki-moon has demanded the release of detained pro-democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi during his meeting with the Myanmarese Prime Minister Thein Sien who is attending the opening session of the General Assembly.
"The Secretary General made clear that the onus was on the government to create the necessary conditions for credible and inclusive elections, including the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners, as well dialogue with all stakeholders," Michele Montas, the spokesperson for Ban said.
"The Secretary General reiterated his clear expectation that Myanmar will respond in a timely manner to the proposals he left with the senior leadership of Myanmar during his visit," she said.
Betwa Sharma, STAFF WRITER 3:48 HRS IST
United Nations, Sept 29 (PTI) UN Chief Ban Ki-moon has demanded the release of detained pro-democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi during his meeting with the Myanmarese Prime Minister Thein Sien who is attending the opening session of the General Assembly.
"The Secretary General made clear that the onus was on the government to create the necessary conditions for credible and inclusive elections, including the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners, as well dialogue with all stakeholders," Michele Montas, the spokesperson for Ban said.
"The Secretary General reiterated his clear expectation that Myanmar will respond in a timely manner to the proposals he left with the senior leadership of Myanmar during his visit," she said.
***************************************************************
Sep 30, 2009
Asia Times Online - US takes a radical turn on Myanmar
By Brian McCartan
BANGKOK - The Barack Obama administration has broken ranks with its recent predecessors in announcing its intention to engage Myanmar's ruling generals while also maintaining economic and financial sanctions against the military regime. The outgoing George W Bush administration imposed new financial sanctions against individual regime members and their associates, and often referred to Myanmar as an "outpost of tyranny".
The announcement, previewed on the sidelines of a United Nations General Assembly meeting on September 23, marks the most radical shift in US policy towards Myanmar since economic sanctions were first imposed in the 1990s in response to the regime's reported human-rights abuses.
It also apparently puts new pressure on the regime to ensure that democratic elections scheduled for next year are free, fair and inclusive of the political opposition and ethnic minority groups. At a press conference on Monday, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell made official the shift in policy towards a mix of sanctions and engagement.
"For the first time in memory, the Burmese leadership has shown an interest in engaging with the United States, and we intend to explore that interest," Campbell told reporters.
He also said that the US government will press Myanmar "to comply with its international obligations, including on nonproliferation, ending any prohibited military or proliferation-related cooperation with North Korea, and full compliance with United Nations [Security Council Resolutions] 1874 and 1718".
That referred to recent reports that North Korea has provided assistance to Myanmar's nascent civilian nuclear program, which some fear could lead eventually to the development of a weapon. The two isolationist regimes were linked in July when a North Korean cargo ship believed to be carrying weapons and headed to Myanmar was pressured by the US Navy to return to North Korea.
The US policy review process began in February after Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated that neither sanctions nor the engagement policies practiced by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other Asian nations had achieved positive results in moving the regime towards democratic change and that a new strategy was needed. Senator Jim Webb's high-profile visit with senior junta members last month also hinted a move towards more policy engagement was on the cards.
US interests go beyond mere political change in Myanmar. Clinton emphasized in her comments last week the various regional security concerns emanating from Myanmar, including the outflow of narcotics, rampant human trafficking, large refugee populations in neighboring countries, and communicable disease. She also mentioned the regime's links to North Korea and the threat of nuclear proliferation in the region.
Washington is clearly hoping that through engagement it can bring Myanmar into a framework where international norms apply, including in security matters. This may yet be a long hope for a country with a long history of official xenophobia and defiance of international opinion. Yet it is notable that the US State Department said that it was the generals who are seeking engagement with the US, not the other way around.
Both Clinton and Campbell have made it clear that US policy would be unwavering in its commitment to pushing for democratic reform, the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, including National League for Democracy (NLD) leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and serious dialogue between the regime, the democratic opposition and ethnic minority groups. Clinton said, "Our support for the country's democratic opposition, including Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy, will not waver."
The generals have played lip service to engagement with ASEAN while making few if any concessions on democratic change. This is where some analysts believe a US carrot and stick approach - mixing humanitarian aid with targeted sanctions - could change the regime's behavior. Campbell said that humanitarian assistance would be expanded "to the extent we are confident the assistance is reaching the people in need".
He did not say whether the restitution of US aid would be strictly through the old capital city of Yangon or divided between central Myanmar and refugee and internally displaced persons populations along the Thai-Myanmar border. The US provided limited aid to Myanmar during rescue operations for last year's Cyclone Nargis, which the UN estimated adversely impacted over 2.4 million people.
The new US policy intends for now to maintain sanctions at their current level, including the so-called "smart" sanctions imposed in recent years against individual junta members and their associates. However, it was also made clear by Campbell that discussion of easing sanctions would be possible if significant reforms were taken "to address core human rights and democracy issues that are inhibiting [Myanmar's] progress".
As a stick, he said the US has reserved the right to apply additional targeted sanctions against the regime, "if warranted, by events inside [Myanmar]." The reference is clearly aimed at putting the generals on notice that further repression, such as the crackdown on Buddhist monk-led demonstrators in September 2007, would risk future engagement.
The policy shift has already stirred debate among Myanmar watchers. "I think it all depends on what we mean by sanctions and engagement," wrote former UN official and historian Thant Myint U to Asia Times Online. "If by engagement we simply mean talking to the generals, then I suppose talking to them while keeping sanctions could make sense, at least in the short term, offering as Secretary Clinton said, to relax the sanctions as the talks progress."
He added, "I can see why keeping some of the sanctions makes sense - the arms embargo for example or sanctions on specific individuals - but the restrictions on international aid including development aid, and the broad trade and investment sanctions should, I think, be replaced by a efforts to actively promote the kind of trade and investment and tourism that might actually help open up the country and undermine the status quo."
Democratic yardstick
Asia Times Online - US takes a radical turn on Myanmar
By Brian McCartan
BANGKOK - The Barack Obama administration has broken ranks with its recent predecessors in announcing its intention to engage Myanmar's ruling generals while also maintaining economic and financial sanctions against the military regime. The outgoing George W Bush administration imposed new financial sanctions against individual regime members and their associates, and often referred to Myanmar as an "outpost of tyranny".
The announcement, previewed on the sidelines of a United Nations General Assembly meeting on September 23, marks the most radical shift in US policy towards Myanmar since economic sanctions were first imposed in the 1990s in response to the regime's reported human-rights abuses.
It also apparently puts new pressure on the regime to ensure that democratic elections scheduled for next year are free, fair and inclusive of the political opposition and ethnic minority groups. At a press conference on Monday, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell made official the shift in policy towards a mix of sanctions and engagement.
"For the first time in memory, the Burmese leadership has shown an interest in engaging with the United States, and we intend to explore that interest," Campbell told reporters.
He also said that the US government will press Myanmar "to comply with its international obligations, including on nonproliferation, ending any prohibited military or proliferation-related cooperation with North Korea, and full compliance with United Nations [Security Council Resolutions] 1874 and 1718".
That referred to recent reports that North Korea has provided assistance to Myanmar's nascent civilian nuclear program, which some fear could lead eventually to the development of a weapon. The two isolationist regimes were linked in July when a North Korean cargo ship believed to be carrying weapons and headed to Myanmar was pressured by the US Navy to return to North Korea.
The US policy review process began in February after Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated that neither sanctions nor the engagement policies practiced by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other Asian nations had achieved positive results in moving the regime towards democratic change and that a new strategy was needed. Senator Jim Webb's high-profile visit with senior junta members last month also hinted a move towards more policy engagement was on the cards.
US interests go beyond mere political change in Myanmar. Clinton emphasized in her comments last week the various regional security concerns emanating from Myanmar, including the outflow of narcotics, rampant human trafficking, large refugee populations in neighboring countries, and communicable disease. She also mentioned the regime's links to North Korea and the threat of nuclear proliferation in the region.
Washington is clearly hoping that through engagement it can bring Myanmar into a framework where international norms apply, including in security matters. This may yet be a long hope for a country with a long history of official xenophobia and defiance of international opinion. Yet it is notable that the US State Department said that it was the generals who are seeking engagement with the US, not the other way around.
Both Clinton and Campbell have made it clear that US policy would be unwavering in its commitment to pushing for democratic reform, the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, including National League for Democracy (NLD) leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and serious dialogue between the regime, the democratic opposition and ethnic minority groups. Clinton said, "Our support for the country's democratic opposition, including Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy, will not waver."
The generals have played lip service to engagement with ASEAN while making few if any concessions on democratic change. This is where some analysts believe a US carrot and stick approach - mixing humanitarian aid with targeted sanctions - could change the regime's behavior. Campbell said that humanitarian assistance would be expanded "to the extent we are confident the assistance is reaching the people in need".
He did not say whether the restitution of US aid would be strictly through the old capital city of Yangon or divided between central Myanmar and refugee and internally displaced persons populations along the Thai-Myanmar border. The US provided limited aid to Myanmar during rescue operations for last year's Cyclone Nargis, which the UN estimated adversely impacted over 2.4 million people.
The new US policy intends for now to maintain sanctions at their current level, including the so-called "smart" sanctions imposed in recent years against individual junta members and their associates. However, it was also made clear by Campbell that discussion of easing sanctions would be possible if significant reforms were taken "to address core human rights and democracy issues that are inhibiting [Myanmar's] progress".
As a stick, he said the US has reserved the right to apply additional targeted sanctions against the regime, "if warranted, by events inside [Myanmar]." The reference is clearly aimed at putting the generals on notice that further repression, such as the crackdown on Buddhist monk-led demonstrators in September 2007, would risk future engagement.
The policy shift has already stirred debate among Myanmar watchers. "I think it all depends on what we mean by sanctions and engagement," wrote former UN official and historian Thant Myint U to Asia Times Online. "If by engagement we simply mean talking to the generals, then I suppose talking to them while keeping sanctions could make sense, at least in the short term, offering as Secretary Clinton said, to relax the sanctions as the talks progress."
He added, "I can see why keeping some of the sanctions makes sense - the arms embargo for example or sanctions on specific individuals - but the restrictions on international aid including development aid, and the broad trade and investment sanctions should, I think, be replaced by a efforts to actively promote the kind of trade and investment and tourism that might actually help open up the country and undermine the status quo."
Democratic yardstick
One near-term measure of the policy's success will center on the 2010 elections. Clinton said last week that "now is not the time to endorse or dismiss the process" and that "we urge [concerned Burmese parties] to take a measured approach to the 2010 elections until we can assess electoral conditions and determine whether opposition and ethnic groups will participate."
Clinton continued, "At the same time, we should continue discussions with the [Myanmar] authorities to emphasize that the international community will only recognize the planned 2010 elections as a positive step to the extent that the [Myanmar] authorities allow full participation by members of [Myanmar's] opposition and ethnic minority groups."
Campbell said that while the US government is skeptical that elections will be either free or fair, it will stress to the regime what conditions would be acceptable by Washington to label the electoral process credible.
The junta has so far ignored calls by opposition groups to amend the 2008 constitution or to state clearly under what terms political parties can organize and how the electoral process will be managed. Government intransigence and a widely perceived rigged national referendum to approve a new constitution last year has left many in the political opposition dubious about the prospects for the upcoming election.
The situation is not helped by the fact that most key opposition leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, NLD chairman U Tin Oo, Shan National League for Democracy leader U Khun Tun Oo and 88 Generation Student leader Min Ko Naing still remain either in prison or under house arrest. Meanwhile, calls by ethnic minority leaders for constitutional provisions guaranteeing their political, social and cultural rights were ignored by the junta in drafting the 2008 constitution.
Several of the ethnic political groups have declared they will likely not participate in the elections. Ethnic insurgent groups who have maintained ceasefires with the regime for over 20 years suddenly saw their status in jeopardy last month when government troops attacked and routed a ceasefire group, the Kokang, on the Myanmar-China border. The ceasefire groups have been under mounting pressure to turn their troops over to government control and form political parties to join the election process.
In order to make the elections acceptable to the US, the junta will need to involve both the political opposition and the ethnic minorities in the process. Clinton called for the junta's engagement with the political opposition and ethnic groups to ascertain their desire for the democratic reform process. This was echoed by Campbell, who said that the US will push for "initiation of a credible internal dialogue with the democratic opposition and ethnic minority leaders on elements of reconciliation and reform".
This call was supported by detained pro-democracy leader Suu Kyi, who through her lawyer welcomed US intentions to diplomatically engage the generals, but reiterated that the opposition should also be consulted. A letter written by Suu Kyi to Myanmar's military leader, Senior General Than Shwe, and due to be officially submitted in the coming days, seeks permission to meet with foreign ambassadors in Yangon to learn their views on the US policy shift.
The first substantive talks with Myanmar officials are expected to take place on the sidelines of the current UN General Assembly, which is being attended by Myanmar Foreign Minister Nyan Win and Prime Minister General Thein Sein, the highest-ranking Myanmar leader to attend in 14 years. The US waived travel restrictions to junta members, allowing them to leave New York and travel to Washington during their stay.
The question going forward is whether Myanmar's rulers are serious about reaching out to the US or simply employing another of their diversionary tactics to draw attention away from other issues in the lead up to the elections. It's a tactic the regime has frequently used in the past when dealing with the United Nations. And it's not clear to most the generals will accept any compromise suggested by the US that weakens their hold on power.
Brian McCartan is a Bangkok-based freelance journalist. He may be reached at brianpm@comcast.net. Additional reporting by Asia Times Online's Managing Editor Charles McDermid.
Clinton continued, "At the same time, we should continue discussions with the [Myanmar] authorities to emphasize that the international community will only recognize the planned 2010 elections as a positive step to the extent that the [Myanmar] authorities allow full participation by members of [Myanmar's] opposition and ethnic minority groups."
Campbell said that while the US government is skeptical that elections will be either free or fair, it will stress to the regime what conditions would be acceptable by Washington to label the electoral process credible.
The junta has so far ignored calls by opposition groups to amend the 2008 constitution or to state clearly under what terms political parties can organize and how the electoral process will be managed. Government intransigence and a widely perceived rigged national referendum to approve a new constitution last year has left many in the political opposition dubious about the prospects for the upcoming election.
The situation is not helped by the fact that most key opposition leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, NLD chairman U Tin Oo, Shan National League for Democracy leader U Khun Tun Oo and 88 Generation Student leader Min Ko Naing still remain either in prison or under house arrest. Meanwhile, calls by ethnic minority leaders for constitutional provisions guaranteeing their political, social and cultural rights were ignored by the junta in drafting the 2008 constitution.
Several of the ethnic political groups have declared they will likely not participate in the elections. Ethnic insurgent groups who have maintained ceasefires with the regime for over 20 years suddenly saw their status in jeopardy last month when government troops attacked and routed a ceasefire group, the Kokang, on the Myanmar-China border. The ceasefire groups have been under mounting pressure to turn their troops over to government control and form political parties to join the election process.
In order to make the elections acceptable to the US, the junta will need to involve both the political opposition and the ethnic minorities in the process. Clinton called for the junta's engagement with the political opposition and ethnic groups to ascertain their desire for the democratic reform process. This was echoed by Campbell, who said that the US will push for "initiation of a credible internal dialogue with the democratic opposition and ethnic minority leaders on elements of reconciliation and reform".
This call was supported by detained pro-democracy leader Suu Kyi, who through her lawyer welcomed US intentions to diplomatically engage the generals, but reiterated that the opposition should also be consulted. A letter written by Suu Kyi to Myanmar's military leader, Senior General Than Shwe, and due to be officially submitted in the coming days, seeks permission to meet with foreign ambassadors in Yangon to learn their views on the US policy shift.
The first substantive talks with Myanmar officials are expected to take place on the sidelines of the current UN General Assembly, which is being attended by Myanmar Foreign Minister Nyan Win and Prime Minister General Thein Sein, the highest-ranking Myanmar leader to attend in 14 years. The US waived travel restrictions to junta members, allowing them to leave New York and travel to Washington during their stay.
The question going forward is whether Myanmar's rulers are serious about reaching out to the US or simply employing another of their diversionary tactics to draw attention away from other issues in the lead up to the elections. It's a tactic the regime has frequently used in the past when dealing with the United Nations. And it's not clear to most the generals will accept any compromise suggested by the US that weakens their hold on power.
Brian McCartan is a Bangkok-based freelance journalist. He may be reached at brianpm@comcast.net. Additional reporting by Asia Times Online's Managing Editor Charles McDermid.
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Japan Today - Documentary on Myanmar protesters, clashes previewed in Tokyo
Tuesday 29th September, 03:44 AM JST
TOKYO — A documentary film capturing clashes between anti-government demonstrators and the junta in Myanmar was previewed for reporters Monday prior to its screening at the 4th Refugee Film Festival in Tokyo. The initiator of “Burma VJ: Reporting From a Closed Country,” Jan Krogsgaard, told a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan, “The main message (of the film) is...how you fight through physically to change the very dire situation” in the country.
The film festival, hosted by the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, will be held from Oct 1 to 8. Krogsgaard, a 51-year-old Danish filmmaker, stayed in a small border town in Thailand from February to April last year, together with a Myanmar journalist, to interview and film refugees from Myanmar. Footage taken by Japanese video journalist Kenji Nagai, who was shot dead in Yangon in September 2007 during a clash, is also included in the film.
Tuesday 29th September, 03:44 AM JST
TOKYO — A documentary film capturing clashes between anti-government demonstrators and the junta in Myanmar was previewed for reporters Monday prior to its screening at the 4th Refugee Film Festival in Tokyo. The initiator of “Burma VJ: Reporting From a Closed Country,” Jan Krogsgaard, told a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan, “The main message (of the film) is...how you fight through physically to change the very dire situation” in the country.
The film festival, hosted by the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, will be held from Oct 1 to 8. Krogsgaard, a 51-year-old Danish filmmaker, stayed in a small border town in Thailand from February to April last year, together with a Myanmar journalist, to interview and film refugees from Myanmar. Footage taken by Japanese video journalist Kenji Nagai, who was shot dead in Yangon in September 2007 during a clash, is also included in the film.
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The New Straits Times - Perlis UPP detain 24 Myanmar nationals in paddy field
2009/09/29
KANGAR: The Perlis Anti-Smuggling Unit (UPP) here detained 25 Myanmar nationals, including five children, loitering aimlessly near a paddy field at Kampung Pida 13, Tok Pulau near here today.
Perlis UPP Commander DSP Zakaria Abdul Rahman said they were detained at about 1.30am after receiving information of their presence in the area from an UPP investigating team in Kuala Perlis.
Zakaria said the members of the group who looked pale, hungry and tired, comprised 12 men and eight women aged between 18 and 38 and five boys who were between one and four years-old.
Initial investigations revealed that they had left Myanmar and entered Thailand on Sept 21, spent a few days in Thailand before crossing into Malaysia but did not have any documents, he said.
Zakaria added that after crossing into Malaysia, they had taken a taxi to Tok Pulau but lost their direction thereafter because they could have been duped by their agent.
"There were provided food at the Kuala Perlis UPP headquarters and will be referred to the Immigration Department for further action," he said.
2009/09/29
KANGAR: The Perlis Anti-Smuggling Unit (UPP) here detained 25 Myanmar nationals, including five children, loitering aimlessly near a paddy field at Kampung Pida 13, Tok Pulau near here today.
Perlis UPP Commander DSP Zakaria Abdul Rahman said they were detained at about 1.30am after receiving information of their presence in the area from an UPP investigating team in Kuala Perlis.
Zakaria said the members of the group who looked pale, hungry and tired, comprised 12 men and eight women aged between 18 and 38 and five boys who were between one and four years-old.
Initial investigations revealed that they had left Myanmar and entered Thailand on Sept 21, spent a few days in Thailand before crossing into Malaysia but did not have any documents, he said.
Zakaria added that after crossing into Malaysia, they had taken a taxi to Tok Pulau but lost their direction thereafter because they could have been duped by their agent.
"There were provided food at the Kuala Perlis UPP headquarters and will be referred to the Immigration Department for further action," he said.
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BangkokPost - Asean scraps plan to appeal over Suu Kyi
Kasit denies UN putting pressure on grouping
Published: 29/09/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News
Asean has scrapped a plan to appeal to Burma for the release of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya says.
Thailand, as chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, planned to send a letter to the Burmese government last month asking for a pardon for Mrs Suu Kyi who is under house arrest.
But Mr Kasit said from New York yesterday the appeal was now unnecessary as the United Nations, the US and the European Union had reviewed their policies and there were signs they would engage more with Burma.
The US and EU have long boycotted Burma but plan to offer humanitarian and development aid in a major revision to their approach to the military-ruled country, he said.
Mrs Suu Kyi was sentenced in July to another 18 months under house arrest for violating house arrest rules after an American man swam to her house and stayed two nights there.
Thailand's idea to send the letter failed to win the support of Laos, Cambodia, Brunei, Burma and Vietnam because they did not want to interfere in Burma's internal affairs, a Foreign Ministry source said.
Mr Kasit's original plan was to lobby the five Asean members to reverse their position at the meeting of Asean foreign ministers in New York on Saturday.
Mr Kasit denied UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon wanted Asean to take a tougher line on Burma, saying all parties would like Asean to continue to engage with the Burmese military junta.
"I have met Mr Ban many times and he did not ask Asean to take tougher action against Burma," the minister said.
"All parties want Asean to continue engagement with Burma and ask Burma to cooperate with the grouping."
Bangkok-based Burmese pro-democracy activists welcomed the UN secretary-general's call at the weekend for Asean to take a tougher stance on Burma.
Nai Tun Lin, secretary-general of the Burmese Refugee Helping Body, was hopeful a change in Burma would take place in the future with closer cooperation between the UN
and Asean.
Than Pe, chairman of the Overseas National Students' Organisation of Burma, said he was still uncertain whether Asean would respond well to Mr Ban's request.
"Asean is not giving as much importance to problems in Burma as it is to economic cooperation in the region," he said.
Kasit denies UN putting pressure on grouping
Published: 29/09/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News
Asean has scrapped a plan to appeal to Burma for the release of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya says.
Thailand, as chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, planned to send a letter to the Burmese government last month asking for a pardon for Mrs Suu Kyi who is under house arrest.
But Mr Kasit said from New York yesterday the appeal was now unnecessary as the United Nations, the US and the European Union had reviewed their policies and there were signs they would engage more with Burma.
The US and EU have long boycotted Burma but plan to offer humanitarian and development aid in a major revision to their approach to the military-ruled country, he said.
Mrs Suu Kyi was sentenced in July to another 18 months under house arrest for violating house arrest rules after an American man swam to her house and stayed two nights there.
Thailand's idea to send the letter failed to win the support of Laos, Cambodia, Brunei, Burma and Vietnam because they did not want to interfere in Burma's internal affairs, a Foreign Ministry source said.
Mr Kasit's original plan was to lobby the five Asean members to reverse their position at the meeting of Asean foreign ministers in New York on Saturday.
Mr Kasit denied UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon wanted Asean to take a tougher line on Burma, saying all parties would like Asean to continue to engage with the Burmese military junta.
"I have met Mr Ban many times and he did not ask Asean to take tougher action against Burma," the minister said.
"All parties want Asean to continue engagement with Burma and ask Burma to cooperate with the grouping."
Bangkok-based Burmese pro-democracy activists welcomed the UN secretary-general's call at the weekend for Asean to take a tougher stance on Burma.
Nai Tun Lin, secretary-general of the Burmese Refugee Helping Body, was hopeful a change in Burma would take place in the future with closer cooperation between the UN
and Asean.
Than Pe, chairman of the Overseas National Students' Organisation of Burma, said he was still uncertain whether Asean would respond well to Mr Ban's request.
"Asean is not giving as much importance to problems in Burma as it is to economic cooperation in the region," he said.
***************************************************************
The Nation - Opinion: Why a win-win scenario for the Burmese junta?
Published on September 29, 2009
General Thein Sein, the Burmese prime minister will be seen at the UN General Assembly. After resisting the civilised world for 14 years, it seems that the junta has scored a major victory against the West, led by the US, without yielding an inch on releasing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi or 2,000 other political prisoners.
Obviously, this is the fruition of Washington's new policy of direct and deeper engagement with the junta, but one has serious doubts whether it will really help at all to bring about change in the country, which has been in the tight grip of the Burmese army for more than half a century.
The UN General Assembly is just a side-show, as the junta's representative will definitely meet the policy-makers, where he is sure to play the China card. The fact that the junta has give an ultimatum to more than 10,000 Chinese business people residing in Burma will send a good signal to Washington that the Burmese army means business against the 25,000-strong ethnic Wa and Kachin armies, which have close relations with China. The Chinese on their side have prepared three refugee camps for the influx of Burmese refugees, estimated to be nearly a million. The junta has wittingly exploited the fact that the people of Burma hate the Chinese business encroachment, not to mention the Akyab-Kunming oil pipeline, under construction.
Burma has a good record of fighting against the Chinese, and now with 4.5 billion dollars' worth of Chinese arms, has demonstrated that it dares to take on the Chinese by subduing the Kokang minority, whose ancestors are Chinese. The junta wants help, if not recognition.
China has strengthened its border patrols and has already warned the junta to protect its citizens, but whether blood will be thicker than water or oil is yet to be seen. If it chooses the latter, where China desperately needs energy, the junta can be counted on as an American ally that dares to challenge China, and surely the reward will be some sort of recognition. Even Hillary Clinton has said, "the Burmese elections should not be dismissed at this time". However, if it chooses the former, then the Burmese army will have to fight tooth and nail against the Beijing-backed ethnic forces, and probably will need the help of the West.
To prevent this win-win situation for the junta, the best way is to point out to the Chinese that their Burma policy is wrong and detrimental to China and the world, and to coax the Chinese to drop their veto over Burma at the UN.
KANBAWZA WIN , PARIS
Published on September 29, 2009
General Thein Sein, the Burmese prime minister will be seen at the UN General Assembly. After resisting the civilised world for 14 years, it seems that the junta has scored a major victory against the West, led by the US, without yielding an inch on releasing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi or 2,000 other political prisoners.
Obviously, this is the fruition of Washington's new policy of direct and deeper engagement with the junta, but one has serious doubts whether it will really help at all to bring about change in the country, which has been in the tight grip of the Burmese army for more than half a century.
The UN General Assembly is just a side-show, as the junta's representative will definitely meet the policy-makers, where he is sure to play the China card. The fact that the junta has give an ultimatum to more than 10,000 Chinese business people residing in Burma will send a good signal to Washington that the Burmese army means business against the 25,000-strong ethnic Wa and Kachin armies, which have close relations with China. The Chinese on their side have prepared three refugee camps for the influx of Burmese refugees, estimated to be nearly a million. The junta has wittingly exploited the fact that the people of Burma hate the Chinese business encroachment, not to mention the Akyab-Kunming oil pipeline, under construction.
Burma has a good record of fighting against the Chinese, and now with 4.5 billion dollars' worth of Chinese arms, has demonstrated that it dares to take on the Chinese by subduing the Kokang minority, whose ancestors are Chinese. The junta wants help, if not recognition.
China has strengthened its border patrols and has already warned the junta to protect its citizens, but whether blood will be thicker than water or oil is yet to be seen. If it chooses the latter, where China desperately needs energy, the junta can be counted on as an American ally that dares to challenge China, and surely the reward will be some sort of recognition. Even Hillary Clinton has said, "the Burmese elections should not be dismissed at this time". However, if it chooses the former, then the Burmese army will have to fight tooth and nail against the Beijing-backed ethnic forces, and probably will need the help of the West.
To prevent this win-win situation for the junta, the best way is to point out to the Chinese that their Burma policy is wrong and detrimental to China and the world, and to coax the Chinese to drop their veto over Burma at the UN.
KANBAWZA WIN , PARIS
***************************************************************
The Irrawaddy - Generals Attend Chinese Anniversary Event
By WAI MOE, Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Gen Tin Aung Myint Oo, secretary 1 of the Burmese junta, attended a reception of the 60th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in Rangoon on Monday, only a few days after the Chinese foreign ministry expressed concern for the safety of Chinese residents in Burma.
Lt-Gen Myint Swe, the chief of the Bureau of Special Operations (BSO)-5 which oversees the Rangoon Regional Military Command, and other senior military officers also attended the event, held by Chinese Ambassador Ye Dabo, according to state-backed media.
The report appeared on the front page with two photographs on Tuesday, indicating the important ties between two countries.
The PRC celebrates its 60th anniversary on Thursday, when the Chinese government will hold a huge parade with hundreds of thousands of soldiers marking the Chinese Communist Party takeover of the country.
In 1949, the Burmese government led by Prime Minister U Nu was one of the first countries to recognize the PRC.
The meeting between Chinese officials and Burmese generals comes one month after the Burmese army seized Kokang territory after Peng Jaisheng, a key Kokang leader, failed to accept the junta’s plan to transform his militia into a Border Guard Force under the Tatmadaw’s command. The conflict affected about 37,000 Kokang Chinese who fled to China.
A few days after the regime’s army routed the Kokang militia, Chinese Deputy Commerce Minister Chen Jian visited Naypyidaw, where he met with Tin Aung Myint Oo, who also serves as quartermaster general of the Burmese armed forces, and Burmese Prime Minister Gen Thein Sein on August 27-28.
On the following day, about 1,500 Kokang militia crossed the border and handed over their arms to Chinese authorities, ending the three-day resistance.
On Friday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the Kokang conflict “harmed the rights and interests of Chinese citizens living there” and urged the Burmese regime to make sure such incidents do not happen again.
On Sunday, Lt-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chief of the BSO-2, who is in charge of military operations against ethnic armed groups in northeastern Burma, visited the Sino-Burmese border area with Maj-Gen Aung Than Htut, the commander of the Northeast Regional Military Command.
According to observers, the government is preparing for more military offensives against ethnic groups such as the United Wa State Army, which has also rejected the junta’s plan to become a border guard force.
Sino-Burmese border sources said Chinese businessmen are still fleeing Burma, fearing more conflicts between ethnic armies and government troops along the border.
By WAI MOE, Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Gen Tin Aung Myint Oo, secretary 1 of the Burmese junta, attended a reception of the 60th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in Rangoon on Monday, only a few days after the Chinese foreign ministry expressed concern for the safety of Chinese residents in Burma.
Lt-Gen Myint Swe, the chief of the Bureau of Special Operations (BSO)-5 which oversees the Rangoon Regional Military Command, and other senior military officers also attended the event, held by Chinese Ambassador Ye Dabo, according to state-backed media.
The report appeared on the front page with two photographs on Tuesday, indicating the important ties between two countries.
The PRC celebrates its 60th anniversary on Thursday, when the Chinese government will hold a huge parade with hundreds of thousands of soldiers marking the Chinese Communist Party takeover of the country.
In 1949, the Burmese government led by Prime Minister U Nu was one of the first countries to recognize the PRC.
The meeting between Chinese officials and Burmese generals comes one month after the Burmese army seized Kokang territory after Peng Jaisheng, a key Kokang leader, failed to accept the junta’s plan to transform his militia into a Border Guard Force under the Tatmadaw’s command. The conflict affected about 37,000 Kokang Chinese who fled to China.
A few days after the regime’s army routed the Kokang militia, Chinese Deputy Commerce Minister Chen Jian visited Naypyidaw, where he met with Tin Aung Myint Oo, who also serves as quartermaster general of the Burmese armed forces, and Burmese Prime Minister Gen Thein Sein on August 27-28.
On the following day, about 1,500 Kokang militia crossed the border and handed over their arms to Chinese authorities, ending the three-day resistance.
On Friday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the Kokang conflict “harmed the rights and interests of Chinese citizens living there” and urged the Burmese regime to make sure such incidents do not happen again.
On Sunday, Lt-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chief of the BSO-2, who is in charge of military operations against ethnic armed groups in northeastern Burma, visited the Sino-Burmese border area with Maj-Gen Aung Than Htut, the commander of the Northeast Regional Military Command.
According to observers, the government is preparing for more military offensives against ethnic groups such as the United Wa State Army, which has also rejected the junta’s plan to become a border guard force.
Sino-Burmese border sources said Chinese businessmen are still fleeing Burma, fearing more conflicts between ethnic armies and government troops along the border.
***************************************************************
“Friends of the Regime” Meet in New York
By THE IRRAWADDY, Tuesday, September 29, 2009
While Burmese Prime Minister Gen Thein Sein’s speech at the United Nations assembly was nothing earth-shattering, his meetings on the sidelines should not be overlooked.
At the invitation of UN Under-Secretary-General Ambassador Joseph Verner Reed, Thein Sein met with US Senator Jim Webb on Monday.
The Burmese premier and Webb met in Naypyidaw in August during the US senator’s controversial trip to Burma, soon after which the US agreed to a policy of engagement with the Burmese junta.
“I appreciate Ambassador Reed's initiative in arranging this meeting, and I look forward to continuing the dialogue with Prime Minister Thein Sein that was begun last month,” Webb said in a statement prior to the meeting.
Ambassador Reed, for his part, is not unfamiliar with the Burmese regime. As a special adviser to former UN chief Kofi Annan and now to Ban Ki-moon, the high-ranking UN official is known to be close to some senior junta officers.
Sources said that Reed met with Gen Maung Aye in 1995 at the UN General Assembly and, in 2002, he attended an event marking United Nations Day in Rangoon as the guest of then Prime Minister Gen Khin Nyunt.
Ambassador Reed has a Burmese assistant working for him and his strong ties to the regime “cannot be discounted,” warned Maj Aung Lynn Htut, a former intelligence officer who was the second highest ranking Burmese official at the Burmese embassy in Washington until he defected in 2005.
During Aung Lynn Htut’s tenure in Washington, the Burmese embassy agreed to provide a visa to Sen Webb and an American businessman to visit Burma in 2001. Webb visited the country as a private citizen soon after.
Aung Lynn Htut defected to the US after Khin Nyunt was purged by Snr-Gen Than Shwe. He said he feared for his life if he returned to Burma.
He has since revealed that as soon as US President George W Bush came to power in 2001, Burmese and Americans who were sympathetic to the regime hired lobby firms in the US capital to improve the regime’s souring ties with the new US administration.
However, when the regime’s thugs attacked and ambushed Aung San Suu Kyi’s convoy in May 2003 in Depayin, the US tightened sanctions instead.
The former intelligence officer said the Burmese military government sent several unofficial delegations to the US in 2001 and 2002 to lobby for an easing of sanctions.
He said that many of the trips were sponsored by Burmese business tycoon Khin Shwe.
In 1997, Khin Shwe hired an American public relations company, Bain and Associates Inc, to improve relations with the US. Khin Shwe’s daughter is married to the younger son of junta no 3 Gen Thura Shwe Mann. In 2007, Khin Shwe was placed on the US sanctions list for his close ties to the regime.
Over the next few years, the ruling Burmese generals also hired lobby groups Jefferson Waterman International and the DCI Group in 1997 and 2001 respectively, in an attempt to soften their public image abroad, in particular by steering the Bush administration away from criticism of the regime’s human rights abuses and the continued detention of Suu Kyi, and to push for lifting US sanctions.
Aung Lynn Htut revealed that around 2001 and 2002 in Washington, the Burmese embassy and intelligence faction hosted several Burmese businessmen, former activists, and foreign scholars, including David Steinberg, Thant Myint-U (the grandson of U Thant), Aye Aye Thant (U Thant’s daughter), Professor Kyaw Yin Hlaing, former CIA officers stationed in Rangoon, and several US businessmen and representatives of oil companies, including UNOCAL.
He said the agenda was always the same—to lift US sanctions and to sideline Suu Kyi.
The regime also invited Japanese diplomats who harbored negative feelings toward the detained opposition leader.
“We knew that Japanese diplomats and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi didn’t have good relations, so we exploited it,” said Aung Lynn Htut.
When asked why the regime had chosen to align itself with Ambassador Reed, he told The Irrawaddy in January: “We gathered information that he didn’t like Aung San Suu Kyi.”
Aung Lynn Htut said that the propaganda against Suu Kyi was subtle and aimed to demonstrate to the international community that Suu Kyi was stubborn and was an obstacle to progress in Burma.
Another old friend on the delegation to the US is Minister for Science and Technology and former Burmese ambassador to Washington U Thaung, who has previously worked with Reed in efforts to improve the regime’s brutal image.
As they gather for closed door talks once again, this time the old friends can pat each other on the back—now that the new US administration has pledged to engage directly with the junta in Naypyidaw.
By THE IRRAWADDY, Tuesday, September 29, 2009
While Burmese Prime Minister Gen Thein Sein’s speech at the United Nations assembly was nothing earth-shattering, his meetings on the sidelines should not be overlooked.
At the invitation of UN Under-Secretary-General Ambassador Joseph Verner Reed, Thein Sein met with US Senator Jim Webb on Monday.
The Burmese premier and Webb met in Naypyidaw in August during the US senator’s controversial trip to Burma, soon after which the US agreed to a policy of engagement with the Burmese junta.
“I appreciate Ambassador Reed's initiative in arranging this meeting, and I look forward to continuing the dialogue with Prime Minister Thein Sein that was begun last month,” Webb said in a statement prior to the meeting.
Ambassador Reed, for his part, is not unfamiliar with the Burmese regime. As a special adviser to former UN chief Kofi Annan and now to Ban Ki-moon, the high-ranking UN official is known to be close to some senior junta officers.
Sources said that Reed met with Gen Maung Aye in 1995 at the UN General Assembly and, in 2002, he attended an event marking United Nations Day in Rangoon as the guest of then Prime Minister Gen Khin Nyunt.
Ambassador Reed has a Burmese assistant working for him and his strong ties to the regime “cannot be discounted,” warned Maj Aung Lynn Htut, a former intelligence officer who was the second highest ranking Burmese official at the Burmese embassy in Washington until he defected in 2005.
During Aung Lynn Htut’s tenure in Washington, the Burmese embassy agreed to provide a visa to Sen Webb and an American businessman to visit Burma in 2001. Webb visited the country as a private citizen soon after.
Aung Lynn Htut defected to the US after Khin Nyunt was purged by Snr-Gen Than Shwe. He said he feared for his life if he returned to Burma.
He has since revealed that as soon as US President George W Bush came to power in 2001, Burmese and Americans who were sympathetic to the regime hired lobby firms in the US capital to improve the regime’s souring ties with the new US administration.
However, when the regime’s thugs attacked and ambushed Aung San Suu Kyi’s convoy in May 2003 in Depayin, the US tightened sanctions instead.
The former intelligence officer said the Burmese military government sent several unofficial delegations to the US in 2001 and 2002 to lobby for an easing of sanctions.
He said that many of the trips were sponsored by Burmese business tycoon Khin Shwe.
In 1997, Khin Shwe hired an American public relations company, Bain and Associates Inc, to improve relations with the US. Khin Shwe’s daughter is married to the younger son of junta no 3 Gen Thura Shwe Mann. In 2007, Khin Shwe was placed on the US sanctions list for his close ties to the regime.
Over the next few years, the ruling Burmese generals also hired lobby groups Jefferson Waterman International and the DCI Group in 1997 and 2001 respectively, in an attempt to soften their public image abroad, in particular by steering the Bush administration away from criticism of the regime’s human rights abuses and the continued detention of Suu Kyi, and to push for lifting US sanctions.
Aung Lynn Htut revealed that around 2001 and 2002 in Washington, the Burmese embassy and intelligence faction hosted several Burmese businessmen, former activists, and foreign scholars, including David Steinberg, Thant Myint-U (the grandson of U Thant), Aye Aye Thant (U Thant’s daughter), Professor Kyaw Yin Hlaing, former CIA officers stationed in Rangoon, and several US businessmen and representatives of oil companies, including UNOCAL.
He said the agenda was always the same—to lift US sanctions and to sideline Suu Kyi.
The regime also invited Japanese diplomats who harbored negative feelings toward the detained opposition leader.
“We knew that Japanese diplomats and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi didn’t have good relations, so we exploited it,” said Aung Lynn Htut.
When asked why the regime had chosen to align itself with Ambassador Reed, he told The Irrawaddy in January: “We gathered information that he didn’t like Aung San Suu Kyi.”
Aung Lynn Htut said that the propaganda against Suu Kyi was subtle and aimed to demonstrate to the international community that Suu Kyi was stubborn and was an obstacle to progress in Burma.
Another old friend on the delegation to the US is Minister for Science and Technology and former Burmese ambassador to Washington U Thaung, who has previously worked with Reed in efforts to improve the regime’s brutal image.
As they gather for closed door talks once again, this time the old friends can pat each other on the back—now that the new US administration has pledged to engage directly with the junta in Naypyidaw.
***************************************************************
Activists fling shoes at Burmese FM in New York
by Mungpi
Tuesday, 29 September 2009 00:07
New Delhi (Mizzima) - Burmese activists in New York on Monday threw shoes at visiting Foreign Minister Nyan Win, an act of opposition against his representation of the Southeast Asian nation at the 64th United Nations General Assembly.
Moe Thee Zun, a former student leader and activist, said he, along with nearly 20 friends, laid in wait of the Burmese Foreign Minister near his guest house and flung shoes and other objects toward the car conveying Nyan Win to United Nations headquarters.
“I took off my shoes and flung them at Nyan Win, the sight of him makes me angry,” said Moe Thee Zun, who as a student leader in 1988 took to the streets in Rangoon, leading mass protests demanding democracy.
“These men should not be representing our people, whom they are brutally killing and suppressing,” he added, satisfied that he and several of his friends flung shoes and other materials at the Burmese FM.
One protester “threw his coffee and there were stains on the car, though it did not get on Nyan Win,” he added.
Both Nyan Win and Prime Minister Thein Sein, who are attending the General Assembly, are lodged in East Gates Hotel on 39th Street in New York, and are the first Burmese generals to attend the annual congregation in14 years.
On Monday, Thein Sein delivered a speech at the General Assembly, prior to which he met with Senator James Webb, a strong advocate of engagement with the military regime, to discuss US-Burma relations.
“We did not realize that Thein Sein was in a separate car. We thought he was along with Nyan Win in the same car, but later we saw him in another car,” said Moe Thee Zun.
He said, the Burmese generals should not be representing the people of Burma, as they are not the legitimate government elected by the people.
Moe Thee Zun said he and his friends are gearing up for another round of surprise attacks on the Burmese delegation when they return to their hotel in the evening.
by Mungpi
Tuesday, 29 September 2009 00:07
New Delhi (Mizzima) - Burmese activists in New York on Monday threw shoes at visiting Foreign Minister Nyan Win, an act of opposition against his representation of the Southeast Asian nation at the 64th United Nations General Assembly.
Moe Thee Zun, a former student leader and activist, said he, along with nearly 20 friends, laid in wait of the Burmese Foreign Minister near his guest house and flung shoes and other objects toward the car conveying Nyan Win to United Nations headquarters.
“I took off my shoes and flung them at Nyan Win, the sight of him makes me angry,” said Moe Thee Zun, who as a student leader in 1988 took to the streets in Rangoon, leading mass protests demanding democracy.
“These men should not be representing our people, whom they are brutally killing and suppressing,” he added, satisfied that he and several of his friends flung shoes and other materials at the Burmese FM.
One protester “threw his coffee and there were stains on the car, though it did not get on Nyan Win,” he added.
Both Nyan Win and Prime Minister Thein Sein, who are attending the General Assembly, are lodged in East Gates Hotel on 39th Street in New York, and are the first Burmese generals to attend the annual congregation in14 years.
On Monday, Thein Sein delivered a speech at the General Assembly, prior to which he met with Senator James Webb, a strong advocate of engagement with the military regime, to discuss US-Burma relations.
“We did not realize that Thein Sein was in a separate car. We thought he was along with Nyan Win in the same car, but later we saw him in another car,” said Moe Thee Zun.
He said, the Burmese generals should not be representing the people of Burma, as they are not the legitimate government elected by the people.
Moe Thee Zun said he and his friends are gearing up for another round of surprise attacks on the Burmese delegation when they return to their hotel in the evening.
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Hostility between Thai police seniors over border crossing to casinos
by Usa Pichai
Tuesday, 29 September 2009 20:09
Bangkok (Mizzima) - A casino in the Golden Triangle near the Thailand-Burma border has become the centre of conflict among high level Thai police officers after the former Deputy Metro Police Chief was arrested by the local police in Chiang Rai province.
Pol. Lt. Col. Santhana Prayoonrat, former Deputy Metro Police, 2nd Department sued Pol. Col. Sutham Chartarsa, Chiang Saen district Police Chief in the Chiang Rai district court on Tuesday for maltreatment. Santhana, has claimed that he was on duty to investigate a case where the local police in Chiang Saen allowed gamblers to cross the border to the casino in the Golden Triangle 24 hours which is illegal, according to Thai law.
Pol. Lt.Col. Santhana was arrested together with eight people in Chiang Saen district, Chiang Rai province by the local police. They were accused of illegally carrying guns and bullets in public.
He said the local police in Chiang Saen threatened him, hit him on the chest and tried to choke him. The group was detained for a night and released on bail the next day. The court has accepted the case.
Santhana claimed that local police officials were suspicious when they were investigating the case. They had allowed gamblers to cross on all days. They were afraid the result of the investigation would be reported to senior officials in Bangkok.
“Besides, all my guns are licensed but the local police over reacted,” he said.
Local police arrested the group on September 13 and claimed that they threatened a staff of a casino in Burma.
Earlier, Pol. Col. Sutham revealed that the local police had reported that Santhana’s group was into ‘mafia-like’ behaviour in the area. They threatened and extorted money from gamblers who crossed the border to the casinos several times, according to a report in INNNews website. In addition, he resisted arrest and was found in possession of many weapons.
In Thailand, casinos are not allowed to operate legally, but there are a number of casinos near the border with neighbouring countries like Cambodia and Burma, which normally are linked to powerful people or politicians. In the northern border of Chiang Rai province and Burma alone there are at least five major casinos in Thachilek Township and the Golden Triangle area.
However, Thai law allows border crossing to the casinos only during official hours. But some people cross illegally or bribe local officials to allow them to cross.
by Usa Pichai
Tuesday, 29 September 2009 20:09
Bangkok (Mizzima) - A casino in the Golden Triangle near the Thailand-Burma border has become the centre of conflict among high level Thai police officers after the former Deputy Metro Police Chief was arrested by the local police in Chiang Rai province.
Pol. Lt. Col. Santhana Prayoonrat, former Deputy Metro Police, 2nd Department sued Pol. Col. Sutham Chartarsa, Chiang Saen district Police Chief in the Chiang Rai district court on Tuesday for maltreatment. Santhana, has claimed that he was on duty to investigate a case where the local police in Chiang Saen allowed gamblers to cross the border to the casino in the Golden Triangle 24 hours which is illegal, according to Thai law.
Pol. Lt.Col. Santhana was arrested together with eight people in Chiang Saen district, Chiang Rai province by the local police. They were accused of illegally carrying guns and bullets in public.
He said the local police in Chiang Saen threatened him, hit him on the chest and tried to choke him. The group was detained for a night and released on bail the next day. The court has accepted the case.
Santhana claimed that local police officials were suspicious when they were investigating the case. They had allowed gamblers to cross on all days. They were afraid the result of the investigation would be reported to senior officials in Bangkok.
“Besides, all my guns are licensed but the local police over reacted,” he said.
Local police arrested the group on September 13 and claimed that they threatened a staff of a casino in Burma.
Earlier, Pol. Col. Sutham revealed that the local police had reported that Santhana’s group was into ‘mafia-like’ behaviour in the area. They threatened and extorted money from gamblers who crossed the border to the casinos several times, according to a report in INNNews website. In addition, he resisted arrest and was found in possession of many weapons.
In Thailand, casinos are not allowed to operate legally, but there are a number of casinos near the border with neighbouring countries like Cambodia and Burma, which normally are linked to powerful people or politicians. In the northern border of Chiang Rai province and Burma alone there are at least five major casinos in Thachilek Township and the Golden Triangle area.
However, Thai law allows border crossing to the casinos only during official hours. But some people cross illegally or bribe local officials to allow them to cross.
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Burmese PM toes familiar line in UN speech
by Mizzima News
Tuesday, 29 September 2009 01:24
Mizzima News - In a much anticipated speech in front of the United Nations General Assembly, Burmese Prime Minister Thein Sein delivered a short address largely rehashing the regime’s long held political vision for Burma and echoing standard junta ideology.
“The transition to democracy is proceeding,” Thein Sein informed delegates. “Our focus is not on the narrow interest of individuals, organizations or parties but on the larger interest of the entire people of the nation” – a line of thinking consistent with the regime’s conflation of the interests of the military with that of the nation, in constant vigilance against national disintegration.
Reaffirming the validity of the May 2008 constitutional referendum, in which a dubious 92.48 percent of voters are claimed to have supported the draft, the Burmese representative left no doubt that the military regime intends to continue apace with its self-styled “roadmap to democracy” – despite persistent criticism from the Burma’s democratic opposition, activists and members of the international community.
“Democracy cannot be imposed from the outside and a system suitable for Myanmar [Burma] can only be born out of Myanmar [Burmese] society,” iterated Thein Sein.
The Burmese Prime Minister further lashed out the perceived unjustness and violence of employing sanctions, a hallmark of United States and European Union foreign policy vis-à-vis Burma.
“As sanctions are indiscriminate and of themselves a form of violence, they cannot legitimately be regarded as a tool to promote human rights and democracy,” thundered the Prime Minister, claiming sanctions are employed to influence political and economic development without consideration of historical and cultural background.
In substitute of sanctions, the Burmese delegate prospered that more developed countries should increase levels of Official Direct Assistance (ODA) to lesser-privileged states. Such an approach has been central to China’s foreign policy in recent years – a formula opponents’ claim often ignores human rights issues.
Joining ranks with a myriad of countries represented in the General Assembly but not in the Security Council, Thein Sein urged the prioritization of United Nations reform with an aim to fomenting a more democratic decision-making process.
However, the Burmese representative also tentatively reached out to U.S. President Barack Obama, congratulating the recently completed Summit Meeting of the Security Council, chaired by Obama, in which emphasis was given to the elimination of nuclear weapons.
“We consider that pending the total elimination of nuclear weapons we should pursue efforts towards the conclusion of a universal, unconditional and legally binding instrument on security assurances to non-nuclear-weapon States,” said Thein Sein, adding that all states should have the right to enjoy the peaceful benefits of nuclear energy.
by Mizzima News
Tuesday, 29 September 2009 01:24
Mizzima News - In a much anticipated speech in front of the United Nations General Assembly, Burmese Prime Minister Thein Sein delivered a short address largely rehashing the regime’s long held political vision for Burma and echoing standard junta ideology.
“The transition to democracy is proceeding,” Thein Sein informed delegates. “Our focus is not on the narrow interest of individuals, organizations or parties but on the larger interest of the entire people of the nation” – a line of thinking consistent with the regime’s conflation of the interests of the military with that of the nation, in constant vigilance against national disintegration.
Reaffirming the validity of the May 2008 constitutional referendum, in which a dubious 92.48 percent of voters are claimed to have supported the draft, the Burmese representative left no doubt that the military regime intends to continue apace with its self-styled “roadmap to democracy” – despite persistent criticism from the Burma’s democratic opposition, activists and members of the international community.
“Democracy cannot be imposed from the outside and a system suitable for Myanmar [Burma] can only be born out of Myanmar [Burmese] society,” iterated Thein Sein.
The Burmese Prime Minister further lashed out the perceived unjustness and violence of employing sanctions, a hallmark of United States and European Union foreign policy vis-à-vis Burma.
“As sanctions are indiscriminate and of themselves a form of violence, they cannot legitimately be regarded as a tool to promote human rights and democracy,” thundered the Prime Minister, claiming sanctions are employed to influence political and economic development without consideration of historical and cultural background.
In substitute of sanctions, the Burmese delegate prospered that more developed countries should increase levels of Official Direct Assistance (ODA) to lesser-privileged states. Such an approach has been central to China’s foreign policy in recent years – a formula opponents’ claim often ignores human rights issues.
Joining ranks with a myriad of countries represented in the General Assembly but not in the Security Council, Thein Sein urged the prioritization of United Nations reform with an aim to fomenting a more democratic decision-making process.
However, the Burmese representative also tentatively reached out to U.S. President Barack Obama, congratulating the recently completed Summit Meeting of the Security Council, chaired by Obama, in which emphasis was given to the elimination of nuclear weapons.
“We consider that pending the total elimination of nuclear weapons we should pursue efforts towards the conclusion of a universal, unconditional and legally binding instrument on security assurances to non-nuclear-weapon States,” said Thein Sein, adding that all states should have the right to enjoy the peaceful benefits of nuclear energy.
Touching on the world’s present economic plight, the Prime Minister blamed the current global financial crisis for such domestic social maladies as rising food and energy prices – two issues which helped to ignite the most recent spate of mass protests in Burma, the Saffron Revolution of 2007.
Prior to ceding the podium, Thein Sein – praising the work of the Tripartite Core Group in the wake of last year’s devastating Cyclone Nargis – appealed to the international community to meet the projected costs of Nargis-related recovery and rehabilitation, stating that donors have thus far only pledged to cover half the projected 691 million dollar price tag of the Post Nargis Recovery and Preparedness Plan (PONREPP).
Prior to ceding the podium, Thein Sein – praising the work of the Tripartite Core Group in the wake of last year’s devastating Cyclone Nargis – appealed to the international community to meet the projected costs of Nargis-related recovery and rehabilitation, stating that donors have thus far only pledged to cover half the projected 691 million dollar price tag of the Post Nargis Recovery and Preparedness Plan (PONREPP).
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Are nuclear fears dictating US policy to Burma?
Joseph Allchin
Sept 29, 2009 (DVB)–Non-proliferation comments that have surfaced in US-Burma talks at the UN recently may shed light on the true motives for greater US engagement with the regime.
Although the US has remained tentative on the issue, it has not attempted to hide growing fears about Burma’s military ambitions, compounded by what appears to be a warming of relations between the generals and North Korea. The revelation of a network of tunnels being built below Burma with North Korean help, coupled with an incident in May when a North Korean ship suspected by the US of carrying arms, or even missile technology, appeared to be heading toward Rangoon before turning around, has added substance to concerns.
This relationship, for many, has risked becoming nuclear. It was telling that on International Peace Day this month, a protesting Burmese monk, Ashin Sopaka, told DVB that “We don’t want nuclear weapons”. Despite there being no hard evidence to suggest Naypyidaw is moving towards nuclear enrichment, the potential ingredients for such a desire are there. The Burmese military government, notoriously fearful of foreign interference, has been characterized as one determined beyond anything else to cling on to power, with an inordinate amount of into budget channeled into the military.
Obama has talked about containment in the past, and his foreign policy has intended to be more about building alliances and talking than his predecessor’s. But the fundamental fears remain the same. “When we think of the major threats to our national security, the first to come to mind are nuclear proliferation, rogue states, and global terrorism,” he said in 2005. Two of those three factors ring alarm bells in Burma’s relationship with North Korea - could he be ‘engaging’ with the Burmese dictators to prevent Asia’s two great autocracies from jumping in to a radioactively-warmed bed?
These concerns may well be a factor in shaping new US policy to Burma. Senior US official, Kurt Campbell, told a press briefing yesterday that “We will also press Burma to comply with its international obligations, including on nonproliferation, ending any prohibited military or proliferation-related cooperation with North Korea”. In the same conference, he mysteriously alluded to the fact that “concerns have emerged in recent days about Burma and North Korea’s relationship that require greater focus and dialogue”.
Many analysts believe that the US and the military junta has been talking for some time. It was certainly with swift ease that US senator Jim Webb, chairman of the East Asia and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, swooped in to rescue America’s lost Mormon swimmer, John Yettaw. Campbell also said yesterday that “For the first time in memory, the Burmese leadership has shown an interest in engaging with the United States, and we intend to explore that interest.”
The US has generally taken a fairly apathetic stance towards Burma - a large amount of hot air has been spent by previous regimes, particularly Bush and his wife. Yet the embargoes and military intervention has never materialized as it has with Cuba, North Korea or, of course, Iraq. This may be a result of the incompetence that the military government has displayed in governing their own country, dampening any perceived threat they could hold internationally.
Whether the US government, through engagement, will be able to achieve what many a constituent and lobbyist has clamored for - serious action towards democracy, or to revert to the democratic mandate handed to the NLD in the last election - will remain to be seen. It seems now, however, that the military junta may be wielding a bigger stick. The threat of nuclear armament has suddenly made the West sit up, perhaps no-one more so than Hillary Clinton, who continues to “emphasize the importance of strengthening the nuclear nonproliferation regime” in recent talks on and with Burma.
With isolation Burma threatens to be a nuclear power, able to destabilise a region, and join the gang of pariah states arranged as ideologically opposed to the US. It would remain isolated until the resources run out or the general prefers to spend his plunder on a Swiss mountain slope. Yet with engagement, there is a real danger for the people of Burma that principles of human rights may be sacrificed for sheer desire to prevent the spread of nuclear arms.
Joseph Allchin
Sept 29, 2009 (DVB)–Non-proliferation comments that have surfaced in US-Burma talks at the UN recently may shed light on the true motives for greater US engagement with the regime.
Although the US has remained tentative on the issue, it has not attempted to hide growing fears about Burma’s military ambitions, compounded by what appears to be a warming of relations between the generals and North Korea. The revelation of a network of tunnels being built below Burma with North Korean help, coupled with an incident in May when a North Korean ship suspected by the US of carrying arms, or even missile technology, appeared to be heading toward Rangoon before turning around, has added substance to concerns.
This relationship, for many, has risked becoming nuclear. It was telling that on International Peace Day this month, a protesting Burmese monk, Ashin Sopaka, told DVB that “We don’t want nuclear weapons”. Despite there being no hard evidence to suggest Naypyidaw is moving towards nuclear enrichment, the potential ingredients for such a desire are there. The Burmese military government, notoriously fearful of foreign interference, has been characterized as one determined beyond anything else to cling on to power, with an inordinate amount of into budget channeled into the military.
Obama has talked about containment in the past, and his foreign policy has intended to be more about building alliances and talking than his predecessor’s. But the fundamental fears remain the same. “When we think of the major threats to our national security, the first to come to mind are nuclear proliferation, rogue states, and global terrorism,” he said in 2005. Two of those three factors ring alarm bells in Burma’s relationship with North Korea - could he be ‘engaging’ with the Burmese dictators to prevent Asia’s two great autocracies from jumping in to a radioactively-warmed bed?
These concerns may well be a factor in shaping new US policy to Burma. Senior US official, Kurt Campbell, told a press briefing yesterday that “We will also press Burma to comply with its international obligations, including on nonproliferation, ending any prohibited military or proliferation-related cooperation with North Korea”. In the same conference, he mysteriously alluded to the fact that “concerns have emerged in recent days about Burma and North Korea’s relationship that require greater focus and dialogue”.
Many analysts believe that the US and the military junta has been talking for some time. It was certainly with swift ease that US senator Jim Webb, chairman of the East Asia and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, swooped in to rescue America’s lost Mormon swimmer, John Yettaw. Campbell also said yesterday that “For the first time in memory, the Burmese leadership has shown an interest in engaging with the United States, and we intend to explore that interest.”
The US has generally taken a fairly apathetic stance towards Burma - a large amount of hot air has been spent by previous regimes, particularly Bush and his wife. Yet the embargoes and military intervention has never materialized as it has with Cuba, North Korea or, of course, Iraq. This may be a result of the incompetence that the military government has displayed in governing their own country, dampening any perceived threat they could hold internationally.
Whether the US government, through engagement, will be able to achieve what many a constituent and lobbyist has clamored for - serious action towards democracy, or to revert to the democratic mandate handed to the NLD in the last election - will remain to be seen. It seems now, however, that the military junta may be wielding a bigger stick. The threat of nuclear armament has suddenly made the West sit up, perhaps no-one more so than Hillary Clinton, who continues to “emphasize the importance of strengthening the nuclear nonproliferation regime” in recent talks on and with Burma.
With isolation Burma threatens to be a nuclear power, able to destabilise a region, and join the gang of pariah states arranged as ideologically opposed to the US. It would remain isolated until the resources run out or the general prefers to spend his plunder on a Swiss mountain slope. Yet with engagement, there is a real danger for the people of Burma that principles of human rights may be sacrificed for sheer desire to prevent the spread of nuclear arms.
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