November 17, 2003—"When UN Secretary General Kofi Annan criticized the Burmese military?s seven-step road map as one-sided, the opposition and analysts welcomed Annan?s critique. But the ruling generals have showed no desire to respond to his suggestions. This is because the main alliance of leaders in the region, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), has already backed Rangoon?s road map. While the US, European Union and Japan have expressed their opposition, Burma?s most powerful neighbors, China and India, have offered no comment. China and India have said they want to stay out of Burma?s "internal affairs." It certainly illustrates how divisive the issue has been for the international community..."