Description:
Executive Summary:
"Street protests and bloody suppressions are recurrent events in the history of
Myanmar. Since the 1980s, when the military government crushed the
democracy movement in Myanmar, these events have become the focus of
friction and conflict between Myanmar and the international community.
Notwithstanding nearly two decades of international sanctions, the military
rulers have managed to cling to power. The street protests that took place in
Yangon and other parts of Myanmar in August-September 2007 brought
anew many painful memories and rekindled the undying desire for change.
Unlike many other international issues, the international community seems
reasonably united on the issue of Myanmar. Pressure for change is mounting,
and a solution has to be found. The question is how?
In the light of the encouraging outcome of the Six-Party Talks on the Korean
Peninsula crisis, we believe that coordinated international efforts can help
turn the situation around in Myanmar, notwithstanding that the Korean
Peninsula is an international conflict whereas Myanmar is primarily a
domestic issue. With that aim in mind, this paper analyzes the need for
CBMs, the role of different players and their potential contribution to the
process of national reconciliation, and ultimately democratization, in
Myanmar. It emphasizes competence and a balanced approach. In this
process, the domestic playersâ”the incumbent government and all opposition
and interest groups that have a stake in the process of national
reconciliationâ”naturally form the inner circle. The outer ring comprises two
sets of players: regional and international, including those who have both
influence on the Myanmar domestic players and a stake of their own in
regional stability, and the body of the ultimate representative of the
international community. Other facilitators include the EU, US, and
countries with special CBM profiles, all having unique and important roles
to play in different circumstances and at different times.
Engaging with the Issue of Myanmar: A New Perspective
7
All in all, a solution to the issue of Myanmar is pressing, since unless one can
be found, there may well be serious consequences detrimental to the stability
of the country and the region around it. As much as it is the problem of the
Myanmar government and its people, finding a solution to the issue of
Myanmar is also the responsibility of the international community."
Source/publisher:
Institute for Security and Development Policy (Sweden)
Date of Publication:
2007-10-00
Date of entry:
2010-02-19
Grouping:
- Individual Documents
