Thai-Burma Relations At Risk Over Aung San Suu Kyi Jailing

[george]

Thai-Burma relations at risk over Aung San Suu Kyi jailing

By John Le Fevre

BANGKOK (thaivisa.com): -- Thailand’s relationship with neighboring Burma risks being strained further as nations around the world call for action in the wake of Burmese pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi being sentenced to a further 18-month’s home detention.

Malaysia has called for an urgent meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to discuss the verdict, which has also been condemned by members Indonesia and the Philippines.

Australia Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has called on the international community to voice its outrage and condemnation of the jailing and said he will contact his Thai counterpart, chair of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) Ministerial Meeting, to discuss what action the international community can take.

"We've got to put maximum pressure on the regime and that includes from our friends in Asean,” he said.

In an apparent act of support for Suu Kyi, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced that Radio Australia will resume broadcasts into the pariah state immediately.

The Australian Government will also review existing autonomous financial sanctions which target senior members of the regime, their associates and family members, and consider including senior members of the judiciary.

At the United Nations Britain called an emergency session of the UN Security Council and sponsored a motion for a worldwide embargo on the sale of arms to the Burma junta, but failed to get a result when some countries, including China and Russia, asked for time to consult their governments.

US President Barack Obama released a statement denouncing what he called an "unjust decision" and, like UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, called for the "immediate and unconditional release" of Ms Suu Kyi.

Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anifah Aman said: "We were hoping that the junta will release her unconditionally and will hold an election to enable Suu Kyi and other political detainees to participate in that election.”

Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo said: "They don't want her to be out before the election."

India refrained from denouncing the outcome, but foreign ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash said New Delhi, "has emphasised to the government of Burma the need to expedite the political reform and national reconciliation process".

Locally, Thailand, as the revolving head of Asean, issued a statement saying it was with "deep disappointment" it had heard of Suu Kyi’s sentence.

The statement, issued by the Thai Foreign Ministry further said the Chair of Asean reiterates “the calls by the Asean Foreign Ministers attending the 42nd Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the 16th Asean Regional Forum held in July 2009 for the immediate release of all those under detention, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, with a view to enabling them to participate in the 2010 General Elections”.

The statement said Asean “stands ready to cooperate with the

Myanmar (Burma) Government in its efforts to realize the seven steps to democracy and remain constructively engaged with Myanmar in order to build the Asean Community together.

“We also continue to support the ongoing good offices of the United Nations Secretary-General and urge Myanmar’s (Burma’s) full cooperation with the United Nations.

In May a war of wards broke out between Thailand and Burma over the detention of Suu Kyi after Thailand, the current rotating chair of the 10-member regional block, issued a statement saying Asean had "grave concern" over her situation.

The statement also said, “the honor and the credibility of the (Burma government) are at stake.”

Burma quickly fired back, attacking Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and accusing its neighbor of meddling in it’s internal affairs.

Thailand responded saying the original statement was made with the “best of intentions towards (Burma) Myanmar and reflects the desire for the process of national reconciliation in (Burma) Myanmar to move forward on the basis of inclusiveness, with the participation of all sectors of society.”

The verbal slanging match resulted in a rush of support for Prime Minister Abhisit for breaking with the traditional Asean non- interventionist approach and siding with other world leaders in criticizing the Burma junta.

At the time, Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said, jailing Suu Kyi could risk regional security.

Last month Mr Abhisit was forced to reschedule a planned visit to Burma after the ruling junta said it that it “would be engaged in domestic issues during this week particularly Friday” the day scheduled for the visit.

The call for action by Asean members and the international community comes as Mr Abhisit is preparing to make his rescheduled trip to Burma this week.

Burma is scheduled to hold general elections in 2010 and has already ruled out Suu Kyi's participation on the grounds that she was previously married to a Briton.

On Monday, following a three-month-long trial, a Rangoon court sentenced her to an extra 18 months' home detention after judges determined she had breached the terms of her house detention when American John Yettaw swam to her lakeside home in the Burmese capital and stayed for two nights in early May.

The Nobel peace laureate has been confined for nearly 14 of the past 20 years, ever since the military regime refused to recognize her National League for Democracy's landslide victory in the last elections held in 1990.

-- thaivisa.com 2009-08-12

[guava]

For what it's worth, please consider signing Avaaz's online petition

It'd be nice to believe the junta's days are numbered, but they've managed to cling onto power for this long....

The rumours about their nuclear ambitions, possible alliances with North Korea etc, are also becoming a little disturbing.

Edited August 12, 2009 by guava

[asean]

I guess the diplomatic question Mr Abhisit should ask the almighty powerful ruling Junta, why they feel so afraid and threatened by one middle aged lady?

[jasreeve17]

For what it's worth, please consider signing Avaaz's online petition

It'd be nice to believe the junta's days are numbered, but they've managed to cling onto power for this long....

The rumours about their nuclear ambitions, possible alliances with North Korea etc, are also becoming a little disturbing.

While they have Chinese support they can go on and on and on...

This won't end until the Chinese stance changes, if it ever does.

[wilsongbrown]

I guess the diplomatic question Mr Abhisit should ask the almighty powerful ruling Junta, why they feel so afraid and threatened by one middle aged lady?

What an incredibly stupid and crass remark. Would it make any difference if she were a 'young' lady, less 'threatened' if she were an 'old' lady. Or a corpulent middle aged white male, most probably not unlike yourself, who gave her the extra 18 months in the first place.

Edited August 12, 2009 by wilsongbrown

[shiatsuman]

For what it's worth, please consider signing Avaaz's online petition

It'd be nice to believe the junta's days are numbered, but they've managed to cling onto power for this long....

The rumours about their nuclear ambitions, possible alliances with North Korea etc, are also becoming a little disturbing.

Over 50,000 people have signed the Avaaz petition in the last 2 days so please consider it if you want to see change in Mynmar

[tombkk]

I guess the diplomatic question Mr Abhisit should ask the almighty powerful ruling Junta, why they feel so afraid and threatened by one middle aged lady?

I really like your question. You haven't been in this part of the world for very long, have you?

[Kitsch22]

I guess the diplomatic question Mr Abhisit should ask the almighty powerful ruling Junta, why they feel so afraid and threatened by one middle aged lady?

Well, the diplomatic question which I would like to put to Aung San Suu Kyi is why she let this situation arise. Am I alone in thinking that this incident in which an apparently half-wit Yank swims across a lake and secures a night's accommodation in the home of arguably the world's most high profile political prisoner is completely bizarre?

Although she should obviously never have been in detention in the first place, nevertheless, given the fact that she was in detention, she cannot possibly have thought that this escapade could yield a positive outcome. Personally, I was expecting a much heavier sentence, possibly of full imprisonment as opposed to house arrest.

[mauGR1]

I guess the diplomatic question Mr Abhisit should ask the almighty powerful ruling Junta, why they feel so afraid and threatened by one middle aged lady?

Well, the diplomatic question which I would like to put to Aung San Suu Kyi is why she let this situation arise. Am I alone in thinking that this incident in which an apparently half-wit Yank swims across a lake and secures a night's accommodation in the home of arguably the world's most high profile political prisoner is completely bizarre?

Although she should obviously never have been in detention in the first place, nevertheless, given the fact that she was in detention, she cannot possibly have thought that this escapade could yield a positive outcome. Personally, I was expecting a much heavier sentence, possibly of full imprisonment as opposed to house arrest.

The generals are not that stupid.

If they had put her in jail,the reaction from neighbouring countries would have been stronger,plus they could have expected thousands of angry people protesting in the streets again.

They are afraid of her charisma,they don't want create a martyr either.They are just buying time..

[Burr]

Talk Talk Talk

And yes I signed Avaaz's online petition.

Don't have any idea what could be done though.

[Paul123456]

For what it's worth, please consider signing Avaaz's online petition

It'd be nice to believe the junta's days are numbered, but they've managed to cling onto power for this long....

The rumours about their nuclear ambitions, possible alliances with North Korea etc, are also becoming a little disturbing.

While they have Chinese support they can go on and on and on...

This won't end until the Chinese stance changes, if it ever does.

It is not just Chinese support. The USA props up the junta through AMOCAL's gas pipeline. And various other companies from Thailand, Britain, Singapore and other - are looking into further financial support for the damming of the Salween river. Who knows how many countries buy gems from Myanmar, etc.

[Paul123456]

Talk Talk Talk

And yes I signed Avaaz's online petition.

Don't have any idea what could be done though.

This is a good point. Many people have been interested in this cause for a long time, but it has lead nowhere. The people in power around the world don't want to help. I am thinking, people have to do it themselves.

Sign the petition. Sign other petitions. Write to politicians and to the companies that prop up the junta.

But also, perhaps if the 50 000 that signed the petition were willing to put in $10 - $100 each we could hire mercenaries to send into Myanmar or buy weapons to give to the ethnic groups fighting the Burmese. Or perhaps go there.

I really can't see the world lifting a finger to help unless they are pushed by people doing something themselves.

Can anyone else suggest a better way?

[Burr]

Paul, why don't you fill in your profile so we know who we are talking to????

[MHM]

History teaches us that brutal despotic regimes cannot last, and can fall suddenly. When this happens a new democratic regime in Burma will look at who its friends are, and who supported its persecutors, and craft foreign and trade policy accordingly. If only out of self-interest, ASEAN needs to look ahead and decide which side of the fence it needs to be on. The more pressure exerted on the junta now will hasten its demise and usher in a peaceful, free and democratic neighbour for Thailand. It is time to be bold and principled

[barry]

while i'm not a militarist, there are times in history when armed force is the only answer

the u.n. should send in a force and kick this thug out

[dude007]

For what it's worth, please consider signing Avaaz's online petition

It'd be nice to believe the junta's days are numbered, but they've managed to cling onto power for this long....

The rumours about their nuclear ambitions, possible alliances with North Korea etc, are also becoming a little disturbing.

While they have Chinese support they can go on and on and on...

This won't end until the Chinese stance changes, if it ever does.

never ever this Chinese stand will change. They need the Country's resources just as they need the African continent's resources and there will be nothing in their way. This is China, progress yes, no ethics...

[Burr]

True words Dude 007

[Plus]

if the 50 000 that signed the petition were willing to put in $10 - $100 each we could hire mercenaries to send into Myanmar or buy weapons to give to the ethnic groups fighting the Burmese. Or perhaps go there.

Now you are talking. Why bother with petition in the first place if your real goal is armed rebellion against Burmese state?

History teaches us that brutal despotic regimes cannot last, and can fall suddenly.

You mean like Sucharto in Indonesia?

The reality is that nothing will radically change until next generation takes over. The only change will come after junta's "road map" starts working full time - elections and all, and NLD won't be a part of that. People and the junta will try to manage it together, sans Aung San Suu Kyi.

Many Asian policy makers think that Aung San Suu Kyi has become a problem herself and don't support her cause anymore.

In their view she can't claim power because she won elections almost twenty years ago and she should have participated in political process instead of being so uncompromising.

[mark2552]

Thai-Burma relations at risk over Aung San Suu Kyi jailing

By John Le Fevre

BANGKOK (thaivisa.com): -- Thailand's relationship with neighboring Burma risks being strained further as nations around the world call for action in the wake of Burmese pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi being sentenced to a further 18-month's home detention.

Malaysia has called for an urgent meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to discuss the verdict, which has also been condemned by members Indonesia and the Philippines.

Australia Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has called on the international community to voice its outrage and condemnation of the jailing and said he will contact his Thai counterpart, chair of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) Ministerial Meeting, to discuss what action the international community can take.

"We've got to put maximum pressure on the regime and that includes from our friends in Asean," he said.

In an apparent act of support for Suu Kyi, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced that Radio Australia will resume broadcasts into the pariah state immediately.

The Australian Government will also review existing autonomous financial sanctions which target senior members of the regime, their associates and family members, and consider including senior members of the judiciary.

At the United Nations Britain called an emergency session of the UN Security Council and sponsored a motion for a worldwide embargo on the sale of arms to the Burma junta, but failed to get a result when some countries, including China and Russia, asked for time to consult their governments.

US President Barack Obama released a statement denouncing what he called an "unjust decision" and, like UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, called for the "immediate and unconditional release" of Ms Suu Kyi.

Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anifah Aman said: "We were hoping that the junta will release her unconditionally and will hold an election to enable Suu Kyi and other political detainees to participate in that election."

Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo said: "They don't want her to be out before the election."

India refrained from denouncing the outcome, but foreign ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash said New Delhi, "has emphasised to the government of Burma the need to expedite the political reform and national reconciliation process".

Locally, Thailand, as the revolving head of Asean, issued a statement saying it was with "deep disappointment" it had heard of Suu Kyi's sentence.

The statement, issued by the Thai Foreign Ministry further said the Chair of Asean reiterates "the calls by the Asean Foreign Ministers attending the 42nd Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting and the 16th Asean Regional Forum held in July 2009 for the immediate release of all those under detention, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, with a view to enabling them to participate in the 2010 General Elections".

The statement said Asean "stands ready to cooperate with the

Myanmar (Burma) Government in its efforts to realize the seven steps to democracy and remain constructively engaged with Myanmar in order to build the Asean Community together.

"We also continue to support the ongoing good offices of the United Nations Secretary-General and urge Myanmar's (Burma's) full cooperation with the United Nations.

In May a war of wards broke out between Thailand and Burma over the detention of Suu Kyi after Thailand, the current rotating chair of the 10-member regional block, issued a statement saying Asean had "grave concern" over her situation.

The statement also said, "the honor and the credibility of the (Burma government) are at stake."

Burma quickly fired back, attacking Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and accusing its neighbor of meddling in it's internal affairs.

Thailand responded saying the original statement was made with the "best of intentions towards (Burma) Myanmar and reflects the desire for the process of national reconciliation in (Burma) Myanmar to move forward on the basis of inclusiveness, with the participation of all sectors of society."

The verbal slanging match resulted in a rush of support for Prime Minister Abhisit for breaking with the traditional Asean non- interventionist approach and siding with other world leaders in criticizing the Burma junta.

At the time, Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said, jailing Suu Kyi could risk regional security.

Last month Mr Abhisit was forced to reschedule a planned visit to Burma after the ruling junta said it that it "would be engaged in domestic issues during this week particularly Friday" the day scheduled for the visit.

The call for action by Asean members and the international community comes as Mr Abhisit is preparing to make his rescheduled trip to Burma this week.

Burma is scheduled to hold general elections in 2010 and has already ruled out Suu Kyi's participation on the grounds that she was previously married to a Briton.

On Monday, following a three-month-long trial, a Rangoon court sentenced her to an extra 18 months' home detention after judges determined she had breached the terms of her house detention when American John Yettaw swam to her lakeside home in the Burmese capital and stayed for two nights in early May.

The Nobel peace laureate has been confined for nearly 14 of the past 20 years, ever since the military regime refused to recognize her National League for Democracy's landslide victory in the last elections held in 1990.

-- thaivisa.com 2009-08-12

[mark2552]

Thai-Burma relations at risk over Aung San Suu Kyi jailing

By John Le Fevre

BANGKOK (thaivisa.com): -- Thailand's relationship with neighboring Burma risks being strained further as nations around the world call for action in the wake of Burmese pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi being sentenced to a further 18-month's home detention.

Malaysia has called for an urgent meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to discuss the verdict, which has also been condemned by members Indonesia and the Philippines.

Australia Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has called on the international community to voice its outrage and condemnation of the jailing and said he will contact his Thai counterpart, chair of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) Ministerial Meeting, to discuss what action the international community can take.

"We've got to put maximum pressure on the regime and that includes from our friends in Asean," he said.

In an apparent act of support for Suu Kyi, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced that Radio Australia will resume broadcasts into the pariah state immediately.

The Australian Government will also review existing autonomous financial sanctions which target senior members of the regime, their associates and family members, and consider including senior members of the judiciary.

At the United Nations Britain called an emergency session of the UN Security Council and sponsored a motion for a worldwide embargo on the sale of arms to the Burma junta, but failed to get a result when some countries, including China and Russia, asked for time to consult their governments.

US President Barack Obama released a statement denouncing what he called an "unjust decision" and, like UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, called for the "immediate and unconditional release" of Ms Suu Kyi.

Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anifah Aman said: "We were hoping that the junta will release her unconditionally and will hold an election to enable Suu Kyi and other political detainees to participate in that election."

Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo said: "They don't want her to be out before the election."

India refrained from denouncing the outcome, but foreign ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash said New Delhi, "has emphasised to the government of Burma the need to expedite the political reform and national reconciliation process".

Locally, Thailand, as the revolving head of Asean, issued a statement saying it was with "deep disappointment" it had heard of Suu Kyi's sentence.

The statement, issued by the Thai Foreign Ministry further said the Chair of Asean reiterates "the calls by the Asean Foreign Ministers attending the 42nd Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting and the 16th Asean Regional Forum held in July 2009 for the immediate release of all those under detention, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, with a view to enabling them to participate in the 2010 General Elections".

The statement said Asean "stands ready to cooperate with the

Myanmar (Burma) Government in its efforts to realize the seven steps to democracy and remain constructively engaged with Myanmar in order to build the Asean Community together.

"We also continue to support the ongoing good offices of the United Nations Secretary-General and urge Myanmar's (Burma's) full cooperation with the United Nations.

In May a war of wards broke out between Thailand and Burma over the detention of Suu Kyi after Thailand, the current rotating chair of the 10-member regional block, issued a statement saying Asean had "grave concern" over her situation.

The statement also said, "the honor and the credibility of the (Burma government) are at stake."

Burma quickly fired back, attacking Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and accusing its neighbor of meddling in it's internal affairs.

Thailand responded saying the original statement was made with the "best of intentions towards (Burma) Myanmar and reflects the desire for the process of national reconciliation in (Burma) Myanmar to move forward on the basis of inclusiveness, with the participation of all sectors of society."

The verbal slanging match resulted in a rush of support for Prime Minister Abhisit for breaking with the traditional Asean non- interventionist approach and siding with other world leaders in criticizing the Burma junta.

At the time, Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said, jailing Suu Kyi could risk regional security.

Last month Mr Abhisit was forced to reschedule a planned visit to Burma after the ruling junta said it that it "would be engaged in domestic issues during this week particularly Friday" the day scheduled for the visit.

The call for action by Asean members and the international community comes as Mr Abhisit is preparing to make his rescheduled trip to Burma this week.

Burma is scheduled to hold general elections in 2010 and has already ruled out Suu Kyi's participation on the grounds that she was previously married to a Briton.

On Monday, following a three-month-long trial, a Rangoon court sentenced her to an extra 18 months' home detention after judges determined she had breached the terms of her house detention when American John Yettaw swam to her lakeside home in the Burmese capital and stayed for two nights in early May.

The Nobel peace laureate has been confined for nearly 14 of the past 20 years, ever since the military regime refused to recognize her National League for Democracy's landslide victory in the last elections held in 1990.

-- thaivisa.com 2009-08-12

[mark2552]

I guess the diplomatic question Mr Abhisit should ask the almighty powerful ruling Junta, why they feel so afraid and threatened by one middle aged lady?

[mark2552]

Come on now, do you really think Burma gives a flying rat's rectum about world opinon let alone any Asian countries views. History shows they don't, and besides this asean counsel of governments knows they don't want to upset or possibly risk any money they are making or have at stake.

All this hype about any protest statements is shear Balony.

[sunreader]

The rumours about their nuclear ambitions, possible alliances with North Korea etc, are also becoming a little disturbing.

of course possibly harbouring WMD's could necessitate invasion.....

[slapout]

I would have doubts to the topic title "at risk". As noted this has been going on for 14 years (house arrest etc) and this is a relative minor injustice committed by the ruling Junta during this time, when compared to the scope of some of their other activities. As long as they have support by neighboring countries in trade and other income producing ventures they will continue on their merry way. The mining concessions financed/operated by Thai citizens with merchandise going directly to China is not a closely guarded secret. I do not foresee Thailand doing more than they have ever done, a short, publicized border security effort, a meeting or two between some of the military generals (both countries bestow this title very readily) and its back to making the normal baht/kip or so million.

[Putu94]

I guess the diplomatic question Mr Abhisit should ask the almighty powerful ruling Junta, why they feel so afraid and threatened by one middle aged lady?

What an incredibly stupid and crass remark. Would it make any difference if she were a 'young' lady, less 'threatened' if she were an 'old' lady. Or a corpulent middle aged white male, most probably not unlike yourself, who gave her the extra 18 months in the first place.

Agree with wilsongbrown, Google first Asean, before you write something, and see also that this "middle aged Lady" has won the Nobel Price of Peace

[Burr]

Hope this HELP's

Decrease font Decrease font

Enlarge font Enlarge font

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Sen. Jim Webb will meet with leaders of Myanmar's military junta this week when he stops off in the reclusive country during a two-week, five-nation tour of Asia, his office announced

[Paul123456]

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/78/support-...troops-to-burma

[Burr]

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/78/support-...troops-to-burma

What's the date of this?

[Ave]

while i'm not a militarist, there are times in history when armed force is the only answer

the u.n. should send in a force and kick this thug out

Yeah...let's kill everybody we think might be obstructing the peace,whoever they are. Actually, why don't we organise another world war just to do a bit of cleansing...! That will certainly bring peace in the world..by the way I'm not a pacifist..NOT!

Until there will be people who think like this we will never have peace and any pretext to be in conflict will be our common ground.

[Thailand]

Does anybody on this forum actually believe that next years "elections" in Myanmar will be free and fair and that any other party other than the ruing junta will win- or even have a chance of winning?