Susilo urged to delay Burma trip
Thursday, 02-03-2006Statement from AIPMC Delegation to the Thai-Burma Border
February 23rd, 2006, Bangkok
We, the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC) delegation to the Thai Parliament and further to the Thai-Burma border refugee camps, would like to welcome and support the ‘olive branch’ offer from the NLD to the Burmese Military Junta.In the unprecedented move, the NLD, on 12 Feb 2006, said it will recognize the role of the current military regime, in national politics, if the Generals agree to convene Parliament in accordance with the results of the 1990 elections.
This is a significant gesture by the NLD for national reconciliation, that will break the political stalemate that has clouded Burma for 17 years.
In addition, we encourage China – as a member of the UN Security Council and major power in the Asia Pacific region – to play a bigger role in bringing change to Burma. We believe it is in China’s political and economic interests to see national reconciliation, which would result in a more accountable and stable government in Burma.
The AIPMC delegation, which comprise members from Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Indonesia, would also like to respectfully ask the President of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who is scheduled to visit Burma in March, to delay his trip until after the visit of the ASEAN fact-finding delegation to Burma led by the Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar.
In the event that the President makes the visit, we urge him to call on the Burmese military junta to accept NLD’s ‘olive branch’ offer.
We reiterate our call on ASEAN leaders to maintain pressure on the junta for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners – of which 15 are elected Members of Parliament – as the only realistic first step in facilitating the national reconciliation process.
Delegation members:
Kraisak Choonhavan (Member of Thai Senate)
Son Chhay (Member of Parliament, Cambodia)
Nursyahbani Katjasungkana (Member of Parliament, Indonesia)
Eva Kusuma Sundari (Member of Parliament, Indonesia)
Teresa Kok ((Member of Parliament, Malaysia)
Contact persons:
Roshan Jason: +6012-3750974, +6671122802 (International media)
Chalida Tajaroensuk: +6618085622 (Thai language media)
Syabas! to NLD. There’s no time for being intransigent now.
Why do the generals think that once they release Aung San Suu Kyi, they’ll be relegated to the old folks’ homes?
NLD can coexist with the junta. If the military leaders don’t trust the NLD at least listen to the people.
We can’t wait for governments to do things for us.
For example, every one of us can contribute a pencil or a colour pencil or an exercise book or an eraser or a picture book for the children so that they can draw and read.
Our small contribution will make the children happy when they can spend the time drawing and looking at the picture books while waiting to go home.
Comment by cashanson — Thursday, 02-03-2006 @ 16: 38.45
Great, humane and praiseworthy effort but I am septical.
The Junta has been in power for decades and they have nurtured a core of corrupted individuals enjoying immense wealth and power. Do you think they will give in to persuasion?
China also care only about making money. Human rights is not want they emphasize on. Chou En Lai once told the suppressed Chinese in Indo that,” once u r the daughter in law of another family, abide by their rules.: Something to that effect. (we all know what happened to these forgotten fall guys, culminating in the slaughter, rape and neglect in the 1998 blame game)
Now with the clamp down on their media, do u think the communist by face capitalist by heart will intervene? Have to have a great economic case for them but I don’t think Myanmar fits that case.
If Myanmar is flooded with oil, then Bush Senior or Junior would have landed the First Marine Division with the British Gurkha Regiments to sort out the oppression.
I sincerely hope for the people of Myanmar, and Madam Suu Kyi to enjoy the liberation and progress they deserve as human beings. Our UN delegate also gave up, what do you think we can achieve here. Well, it is better than to do nothing.
GO, Miss Kok, Godspeed.
Comment by lee wee tak_ — Friday, 03-03-2006 @ 08: 27.59
why u senyap already on the naked issue
Comment by deng — Friday, 03-03-2006 @ 12: 26.58
I suppose Ms Kok was pre-occupied with Myanmar trip?
Is it once “proven” to be “Malay” girl and some “internal disciplinery procedure” been administrated then it is a “case close”?
The Police have not revert to taxpayers on the 4 women who got harrassed. Or, with the nude squate gate resolved, this also deemed to be “resolved”?
Also recent steps been taken to “warn” newspaper about writing critical and fault-finding articles amy have made editors more cautious?
Comment by lee wee tak_ — Friday, 03-03-2006 @ 14: 23.38
Dear all
Govt’s taking the rakyat for granted too long. Expiry date for the govt is 2008. Want to give govt 2/3 majority again?
Do govt want to see demos like in Thailand and Philippines before they get it?
Comment by cashanson — Monday, 06-03-2006 @ 17: 49.29
I’ve just discovered your web site. Here’s my comment on Burma issue:
We should not behave like self-righteous Westerners and demand this and that from another Asian country.
Susilo made the correct decision to be engaged with Burma. The problems in Burma is complex and is not as simple as bing potrayed by Western press. Burma will change, but on its own accord with passing of current leadership and clamour for economic development.
Democracy is not a cure all, infact it’s a blight facing many Asian countries. Case in point, Malaysia. In Malaysia, everything is political in nature, where UMNO politicians will champion the cause of the majority races in order to be elected.
Comment by kchew — Tuesday, 14-03-2006 @ 14: 00.38