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Published on November 23, 2007

Despite the different approaches to Burma's political crisis, Asean and the European Union (EU) yesterday agreed to fully support the role of the United Nations in pushing ahead with national reconciliation and democracy.

The two regional groupings in their commemoration summit of the 30th anniversary of relations, called upon dialogue between the junta and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi that should also include all concerned parties and ethnic groups. "Asean and the EU actively support the mission of the UN Secretary-General and special advisor Ibrahim Gambari of bringing about an inclusive and comprehensive process of genuine national reconciliation and peaceful transition to democracy," an Asean-EU joint statement said.

They also called for the release of political detainees in Burma including those recently detained after the bloody crackdown on the protests in late September. The political crisis in Burma has been at the centre of relations between the two blocks for a long time and both sides have clashed when addressing problems in the military-ruled country.

The EU has imposed sanctions, while Asean believe sanctions have not yielded any result towards democracy in the country but have only hurt ordinary people.

"Besides South Africa, sanctions don't work in most places. We believe they would not only not work, but would be also counterproductive," said Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who chaired the Asean summit.

Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates said despite such differing views, the two groups did share the common aim to see Burma become a democracy and respect human rights.

Benita Fererro-Waldner, the European Union Commissioner for External Relations, said the EU did not impose tough - but "smart" - sanctions on Burma that comprise stick and carrot methods so that they do not harm the ordinary population, as the EU had also maintained development aid to the country, notably on health care and education, she said.

Waldner did not set conditions as to when the stick or carrot would be offered, but said the current movement was positive as the UN envoy Gambari was allowed to see the junta chief Than Shwe and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Incoming Asean Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan said that as Burma's leaders made clear they wanted to work with the UN, Asean should respect this and explore possibilities to provide assistance.

Neighbouring countries, such as Thailand and giant neighbours China and India should follow the situation closely and also explore means of providing some package of assistance to Burma, he added.

Surin praised Gambari's efforts in persuading Burma to move towards the right direction. "He has established enough momentum and we should take this opportunity to support him," he said.

Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram, who met the EU Special Envoy for Burma, Piero Fassino, before leaving Singapore yesterday, said countries should not give up engagement with Burma too easily.

"It will take time but we should have faith that things can change eventually," he said.

Supalak G Khundee

 The Nation

Singapore