"Unprecedented pressure from ASEAN has forced the Burmese regime to back off from claiming the coveted chair for 2006. Although billed as ?Burma?s own decision”, the move ? affecting the regime?s credibility and prestige ? was a defeat for regime head Senior-General Than Shwe. Burma?s decision to relinquish its turn at the ASEAN chairmanship shows that persistent pressure works, and it works most effectively when applied from within ASEAN. Although being forced to relinquish the chairmanship was undoubtedly a success for ASEAN and the Burma democracy movement, it was only one of many steps towards the country achieving a genuine democracy. Moving beyond the chairmanship, ASEAN should now insist the junta set a clear timetable in fulfilling its long-standing pledge to ASEAN and the international community to commence a genuine and inclusive process towards democratization in Burma. In this process, ASEAN should engage with China and India ? both countries which have significant influence and business ties with the regime ? to convince them that a free, democratic and prosperous Burma presents a better business case and strategic partner than the bankrupt, pariah state it is now...Page 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Page 3 MOVING ON: BEYOND THE CHAIRMANSHIP Asean?s Continuing Leverage Page 4 THAN SHWE BACKS DOWN The Official Announcement Asean?s New Reality: Pressure Works! Asean, US, EU elated Burma, China, Rangoon diplomats upset ARF hits out at Burma News Blackout in Rangoon Page 6 THE ROAD TO VIENTIANE Asean Parliamentarians Lead the Charge Asean Ministers Follow Suit Page 8 THE CHAIR WAS IMPORTANT TO THAN SHWE He wanted it ? bad Why did he need it? SPDC Rank and File Demoralized Evaporating Ethnic Trust Economy in the Doldrums No Face, No Money Page 13 WHAT THEY SAID: STATEMENTS ON BURMA?S ASEAN CHAIRMANSHIP NCGUB Asean Press International Press Asean Leaders Asean Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus Other International Leaders & Commentators