"The National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) is disturbed by the way the European Commission has organized the Panel on Burma on the 5th April. The composition of the panel is questionable since most of the panelists are known as apologists for the regime as demonstrated by their stand against any kind of international pressure through political, diplomatic or economic means. It is absurd that neither elected representatives of the 1990 general elections nor Civil Society groups in Europe appear on the panel. Analysis of the "independent" report which is the focal point of the conference, reveals a multitude of flaws and subjective conclusions. The thesis put forward is that the Burma Army is the only strong and united institution in Burma, that it consists of patriotic military personal keen on preserving the stability of the country and building a modern and prosperous nation. The report portrays them as a progressive force able to lead in taking initiatives for political and economic reform. Since the Burmese military is determined to exclude the leaders of the democratic forces from the nation-building process and pursue any policy direction they deem appropriate at their own speed, the authors claim that the only option for international actors is to engage the regime and encourage them to carry out gradual reforms. Trade and aid is suggested as the main policy tool to normalize relations with the Burmese military regime and encourage gradual reforms in various sectors..."