Junta should respond positively to Clinton message

by Nem Davies
Friday, 24 July 2009 12:20

New Delhi (mizzima) – Burmese analysts and observers say the Burmese junta should respond to the latest message by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton by taking positive actions.

During her visit to Thailand, Clinton called for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, warned against the regional threat posed by Burma and hinted that Burma should have its ASEAN membership suspended if reforms and changes are not forthcoming.

“I think it is leading to more severe and punitive actions against Burma if the junta does not show any sign of constructive response,” Thai-based Burma military observer and political analyst Htay Aung assessed.

“The junta is obliged to deal with the international community and maintain a warm relationship with them if the SPDC [junta’s official title] really wants to see progress and prosperity in Burma,” he added.

While the US continues to contemplate a policy review concerning Burma, apparent growing links between Burma and North Korea pose a potential threat to regional security, according to observers.

Despite continued pressure by the international community and human rights watchers aimed at making the planned 2010 general election credible, including the release of political prisoners, the junta has thus far appeared non-committal.

“In the current situation, no matter what other countries call for, they will not heed to this pressure, including even from the UN Security Council, as long as they think they can survive and they can maintain warm and friendly relationships with China and India,” said Htay Aung.

Secretary-General Dr. Naing Aung of the Thai-based opposition force Forum for Democracy in Burma said that by reproducing this article in their newspaper the junta wished to negate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s attitude and opinion.

Htay Aung concludes, “There is no reason to believe in the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi under the current circumstances. It is very clear they are desperate to give her a prison term. Even if she is released from custody, they will certainly not let her contest the election. So as long as there is no change in the regime, the junta will follow and go ahead with their roadmap, disregarding any pressure to the contrary."