Burma unripe for democracy at present: rights expert-MIZZIMA

http://www.mizzima.com/news/world/1193-burma-unripe-for-democracy-at-present-rights-expert-.html

by Mizzima News
Saturday, 25 October 2008 12:18

Building on a report he issued earlier in the month, the United Nations' Human Rights Envoy for Burma yesterday appealed to the international community to take a common stand and engage Burma on its long road to democracy.

Tomás Ojea Quintana, appointed to his position only this May, cautioned delegates in the United Nations General Assembly's third committee that the realization of democracy in Burma would take considerable time, but it was imperative that the international community come to the assistance of the country to ensure that progressive benchmarks along the path are achieved.

"Restoration of full democracy cannot happen overnight; it will take generations," Quintana said, adding that it was insufficient for the United Nations to simply issue resolutions on the situation in the Southeast Asian country, instead insisting that resources must also be made available so that the goals of resolutions may be met.



"Nothing can be achieved in isolation and condemnation, while there are possibilities for engagement, encouragement and cooperation," noted Quintana, referring to a common theme of his report following his inaugural visit to the country in August.

In order for the proposed 2010 general election in Burma to be a success, Quintana has repeatedly put forth four elements which must be implemented: the revision of domestic laws that limit fundamental rights, the progressive release of political prisoners, military reform, and alterations to ensure an independent judiciary.

The Special Envoy stressed that as the process unfolds, the promotion of human rights must not be subjected to double standards or politicization.

Yet, while Quintana pled for an international community with one voice on Burma, the exchange between delegates following the Envoy's delivery again highlighted stark divisions within the international community.

Burma's representative, Ambassador Thaung Tun, was overall appreciative of the Rights Envoy's speech, though reserving criticism for what he termed regurgitation of baseless exile claims against the government and excessive criticism of the junta's response to Cyclone Nargis in May.

Representatives from Japan and Thailand also spoke appreciatively of Quintana's assessment, preferring to focus on opportunities ahead for cooperation and successes to date.

However, the European, North American and New Zealand delegates offered by in large dubious assessments of the chances of healing Burma's wounds if the international community were to heed the Special Envoy's proposed prescription.

Additionally, twice, in reference to responses from the representatives of the United States and United Kingdom, the Chair was forced to intervene to request that delegates refer to the country as Myanmar, as that is the name for the country officially recognized by the United Nations.
Summing up his analysis of the situation, the Rights Envoy told reporters afterward, "To get a civil Government will take time. They are not prepared for that. They are prepared for war."