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Solution must include military: ASEAN

SINGAPORE: The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has proposed that Myanmar’s military establishment must be “part of the solution” to the current crisis in that country.

Myanmar is a member of the 10-nation forum. And, Singapore, in its capacity as the ASEAN Chair, has articulated this position at the United Nations Security Council during its session on the current situation in Myanmar. The ASEAN’s proposal acquires importance, in the context of calls by Myanmar’s opposition groups and major countries for a power shift in that country from the military rulers to civilian leaders under a democratic framework. The ASEAN had earlier expressed “revulsion” over the reported manner in which Myanmar junta tried to suppress the latest uprising against it. Addressing the Council session in New York on Friday, U.N. Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari suggested that the proposed meeting between Myanmar’s chief military ruler Than Shwe and Aung San Suu Kyi be held “as soon as possible.”

This was “vital,” Mr. Gambari said, alluding to “the potentially welcome development” of Senior General Than Shwe’s offer to “personally meet” Ms. Suu Kyi. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called for a serious and comprehensive dialogue between the junta and the opposition in Myanmar. Mr. Ban said: “Now, more than ever before, the Government of Myanmar should take bold actions towards democratisation and respect for human rights.”

It was in this climate of opinion that Singapore’s Permanent Representative at the U.N., Vanu Gopala Menon, speaking on behalf of the ASEAN, said: “It would be a grievous mistake to think that if the SPDC left the scene tomorrow … all problems would automatically be resolved. The military is a key institution in Myanmar that cannot be wished away. Any peaceful solution to the crisis will have to involve all parties, including the military. If the military is not part of the solution, there will be no solution.”

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