ASEAN IS A SOLUTION FOR THE BURMESE

[moe@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

 ASEAN IS A SOLUTION FOR THE BURMESE
By Julien Moe
23rd November 1999

A regime that took power by force always uses strategies to eliminate their
opposition by false accusations and state-controlled demonstrations.
Deterring and trying to prevent possible disturbances, the SPDC  prepares
for the worst and never hesitates to sack its people who make blunders that
triggered the bad image for the ruling junta. Simultaneously if how the
regime's mission to the United Nations is monitored,  the SPDC has been
voting in accordance with the majority even though the regime's sayings are
one thing and doings are another.

The regime never loses sight of how they can take advantage in its
neighbours. At the same time the regime is lucky that Burma has never been a
major issue for the United States, the EU and the United Nations. Frequent
press releases by these international bodies show their policies toward
Burma but they do not seem to be helping the Burmese struggle for freedom
and democracy because freedom is still deterred in Burma. The living
standard for the Burmese is far  too low in comparison with the neighbours.

The United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions on Burma.
The United States is going to renew the sanctions in May of 2000. Yet
theBurmese  generals are still biting the bullet. If the Association Of
South East Asian Nations [ ASEAN] will rebuke Burma, the generals might
change their stubborn behaviour toward the opposition. The solution for the
Burmese situation could be ASEAN itself. If ASEAN imposes sanctions on
Burma, Burma could be hurt. At least the Association of South East Asian
Nations should be more agressive in nurturing democarcy while the era for
authoritrian regimes like Burma is no longer popular but  expiring. In this
era of growing democracy, ASEAN will have to interfere in Burma's internal
affairs if it wishes to enjoy smooth global cooperation with countries that
truly uphold democracy. If ASEAN changes its status quo policy toward its
member nations, Burma will have to change wihtout fail.