EU, ASEAN and the UN should call for concerted efforts to foster a meaningful dialogue in Burma

Zin Linn , Asian Tribune, Sat, 2009-03-14 02:04 

The EU's policy on Myanmar has not produced the results. It neither facilitated a national reconciliation or nor ushered in badly needed political reform. EU's sanctions have not produced miracles because they are targeted ones and lack of support from neighboring countries, especially China. 

It was in October 1996 that EU had defined a 'Common Position' towards Myanmar. The position has been reassessed, and in some cases modified, every six months since then. Amongst the measures included in the Common Position are an arms embargo, an export ban from the EU of any equipment that might be used for internal repression, a visa ban and a freeze on funds held abroad by leaders of the regime and their families, a prohibition for EU companies to invest in state-owned enterprises as well as the suspension of high-level governmental visits to Burma. 

EU responded to 2007 crackdown on demonstrators by tightening the screws on investments. It ruled out investments by EU companies in logging, mining and gemstone industries. It also said an absolute no to import of these items from Myanmar. 

According to some analysts, EU should have put pressure on the main external supporters of the junta - China, India and Russia. China is the key supply of arms, ammunition and motor-vehicles to the SPDC’s army with strength of over 400,000 soldiers. Russia sold the junta a squadron of second-hand MIG-29 fighter jets, same power as the F-16 fighters manufactured by the USA, for US $150 million in 2001. Russia also sold a 10 megawatt nuclear power facility to Burma. In addition, Moscow provides trainings for thousands of Burmese army cadets in various subjects on modern defense. 

India continues to provide armaments and military assistance to the Burmese junta in return for natural-resource concessions. Each of these three countries has provided millions of dollars worth of military hardware to the Burmese military, in so doing providing tools for further oppression. Moreover, Russia and China vetoed the UN Security Council resolution condemning Burma’s human rights record. 

In April 2008, European Parliament called on the European Union governments to think about more targeted sanctions against Myanmar, such as a comprehensive ban on new investment and an embargo on trade in key commodities that provide significant revenue to the military government in Myanmar. The EP adopted a resolution in its plenary session in Strasbourg, France, urging the EU to campaign for a worldwide arms embargo on Burma. The EU arms embargo on Myanmar is unproductive, as the military government purchases its military goods from China, Russia and India, says the EP resolution. 

Myanmar is the largest country in south-east Asia. It has a total area of 676,577 km. Population is around 50 million. It is one of the poorest countries in the world. The average monthly income of a household is less than 100,000 Kyats ($100) a month. 

Although the country has enough land and natural resources, it cannot feed its people due to mismanagement by the military regime. Its weather and soil are good for rice cultivation and growing fruits and vegetables. But most of the first-rate harvest is exported for much-needed hard currency. The local currency is non-exchangeable. Dollar is the most reliable currency in business zones, although the euro is gradually accepted as an alternative. 

Healthcare is really gone astray. Most rural people rely on the insanitary water in creeks, ponds and lakes for washing and drinking alike. No one wonder therefore malaria remains rampant, along with tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Child mortality is one of the highest in the world. A UNICEF aided survey identified main causes of early death as acute respiratory infection (21.1 percent), brain infection (13.9 percent), diarrhoea (13.4 percent), and septicemia (10.7 percent). About three-quarters of all deaths occurred in the first few months of new borns. 

The transportation and communication in the provinces are in an appalling state. Electricity is rationed even in industrial zones in Rangoon Division. There is almost no sign of helpful economic improvement. 

Junta’s human-rights record is extremely awful. There is no rule of law and no free media. Dissidents are locked up fearing a repeat of 2007’s monk-led demonstration. Most observers consider that the planned elections in 2010 will lead toward a socio-economic commotion. The junta is not going to give up its hold on power. 

Two recent visits by UN Special Envoy produced no forward movement on the key demands. These are talk between oppositions and the military regime, release of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and around 2,200 political prisoners, promotion of national reconciliation, and elections next year with the participation of all opposition and minority groups. 

So, it is time for the EU to broaden and deepen its sanctions on Myanmar to force the process of change. Myanmar deserves a place at the centre of EU’s plans for promotion of democracy. There is no other country as in dire need of democracy reform as Myanmar. There is also no other country as badly need of good governance as Myanmar. 

Two other important players, China and Russia, should revisit their Myanmar policy. And should sympathize with the poor Burmese people, who have been facing heavy taxes, starvation, disease, arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings. All this calls for a rethink on use of veto by China and Russia on Myanmar issues at the UN. 

The Myanmar people are hoping that the international community, especially the key players UN, EU and ASEAN, will push for political changes in their country. Additionally, EU, ASEAN and the UN must convince China and Russia to take an active role in fostering a dialogue on political reforms. If Myanmar maintains the status quo, its spillover effects will damage the region in every way. 

- Asian Tribune -