ASEAN Told To Be Stronger, Asked To Take Lead

by Christopher Smith

Friday, 29 February 2008 00:00

Bangkok – In an address punctuated with diplomatic hedging, a leading United States representative insisted that ASEAN can play a positive and leading role in effecting change in Burma. Ambassador Christopher Hill, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, stressing that Washington appreciates the unique history of Burma and its colonial legacy, cautioned today at Chulalongkorn university in Thailand's capital of Bangkok that "Burma's future is bleak if the regime does not try to respond" to international initiatives. The session, entitled 'Perspectives on the United States' Relations with Thailand and Southeast Asia', was conducted on the campus of university. Holding up the 40-plus year legacy of ASEAN as an example of success in community building, Hill maintained that the best way forward for everyone is for ASEAN "to be stronger" with Burma. ASEAN should "look to set standards for human rights and democracy that will give Burma no chance" but to adapt, added the Ambassador. "ASEAN is best able to address the situation." The prospect of an ASEAN Charter being formally implemented later this year, which is to include a human rights component, was put forth as one mechanism that could effectively be used by the regional bloc when dealing with the recalcitrant generals in Naypyitaw. In language befitting a seasoned diplomat Hill also expressed the view that for ASEAN and Asia, Burma is not only a human rights issue but also a geo-strategic question, pointing out with respect to trade that "sometimes neighbors have a lot more to lose." He said it understandable that regional countries insist on Burma being a member of the regional community as opposed to other, unspecified, groups. Regarding China the distinguished civil servant harped on the notion that "more of China does not mean less of the United States," while furthering that the United States "welcomes China's role in Southeast Asia." He went on to say that the United States is working with China in trying to bring change to Burma. China is roundly criticized by numerous Burma watchers and interest groups for its perceived leading role in bankrolling the Burmese junta, both financially and militarily. Refusing to declare the mission of United Nations Special Envoy to Burma Ibrahim Gambari a lost cause, Hill praised the character of the Envoy and stated that not only does the United States want to see him succeed, but that it should also be in the interests of Burma's generals to see Gambari meet with success, as it behooves them not to let a professional of his caliber exit the stage. With the junta apparently turning a deaf ear to Gambari's pleas for an inclusive constitutional and reconciliation process ahead of May's referendum, not to mention the formation of a poverty alleviation committee, the sentiment that the Special Envoy's mission is all but formally defeated has become increasingly prevalent. The debate over sanctions, which has deeply divided international approaches to confronting Burma's junta, was forthrightly defined by the Ambassador as "no one's first choice" and a policy that is compromised when some members of the international community do not abide by the same rules. He went on to tell those in attendance that "sanctions don't always work. They have a mixed record." But do not look for the United States to reverse its decision to bring an arsenal of targeted sanctions directed at leading figures in the junta and their civilian cohorts. According to Hill, and in further deference toward Burma's position within the ASEAN and Asian communities, it is vital for the United States to stay engaged through utilizing the "limited tools" at its disposal. Ambassador Hill may best be known for his role in the six-party talks dealing with North Korea's nuclear ambitions. However Hill's repeated references to differences between international actors in Burma policy priorities made apparent that the singular unifying security threat posed by the North Korean regime does not directly translate to the international community and Burma. Still, he remains optimistic that there are constructive roles in dialogue to be played by all parties to the Burmese crisis. Occasionally referring to the Southeast Asian nation as Myanmar, as the junta renamed the country in 1989, the Ambassador left no doubt that at the end of the day the United States' primary wish is for "a stable and prosperous Burma." Hill reiterated the United States' long held overture for the generals to release all political prisoners, specifically mentioning opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. < Prev   Next >