Burma likely to escape censure by Asean

FE Team | Published: November 16, 2007 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00

John Burton in Singapore and Amy Kazmin in Bangkok, FT Syndication Service
George Yeo, Singapore's foreign minister, has compared next week's annual summit of the Association of South East Asian Nations, to be held in the city-state, to a family gathering. If so, it will be an acrimonious one.
Burma is expected to face criticism over its crackdown on the country's democracy movement but its military rulers are likely to escape the tough punishments that could be meted out by the 10-nation group, such as expulsion or sanctions.
Asean leaders have made it clear that they consider sanctions to be counterproductive in promoting negotiations between the Burmese junta and the democracy movement.
Ibrahim Gambari, the United Nations special envoy to Burma, acknowledged that stance in a presentation this week to the Security Council.
Asean has decided to follow the UN's lead on Burma, which is one reason why Mr Gambari has been invited to the summit.
Asean is likely to welcome Mr Gambari's statement to the UN that Burma has taken some steps towards meeting international demands for greater political freedom, although reports of human rights abuses continue to raise concerns.
Asean's caution on the Burma issue reflects its policy of non-interference in internal affairs. However, the Burma situation has highlighted an emerging debate within Asean about a new charter and whether the organisation should adopt a more western approach that focuses on human rights, open societies and markets.
Analysts say some Asean members were uncomfortable with the strong statement issued by Singapore, the current Asean chair, expressing "revulsion" at the height of the Burma crisis last month. They believe Asean should give Burma's generals more time to prove that they are introducing reforms.