DR THAUNG HTUN, BURMESE NATIONAL COALITION GOVERNMENT UNION: Thanks

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SEN LAM: Dr Thaung Htun, the Opposition Coalition has proposed a new initiative. Can you tell us more about this?
DR THAUNG HTUN: The new initiative we propose is related to active involvement of region affairs and finding a solution for political crisis in Burma. ASEAN and other neighbouring countries like China and Japan, the tradition of their involvement and finding a solution in times of crisis, you know in that case, these regional players actively cooperate with UN and other Western counterparts by hosting conferences, you know, in their capitals like in Jakarta and Bangkok. We propose the same thing. We already have good start by the formation of UN friends of Burma group. That group’s meetings should be continuously organised in regional capitals with active involvement of regional players and they should discuss to set clear benchmarks and particular time frames to implement steps for a peaceful democratic transition in Burma.

SEN LAM: Dr Thaung Htun, you speak of regional players, what about countries like China, India and Thailand who all have trade deals with the Burmese generals and in one way or another support the Junta. Might they be a huge obstacle to your plans?

DR THAUNG HTUN: Of course. The trade and business relations as well as the diplomatic tradition provided by these players like China or India, the United Nations, it’s in contradiction with the statement made by the recently - made by Asia Europe meeting which agreed on the need to take for the military positive reforms for democratic transition. They should review their policy and look at long-term interests of the country because in a smooth transition - Burma is also for the best interests of the region. They should withdraw their protection, for example, at the Security Council. They should apply their economic leverage to post the regime to take positive steps.



SEN LAM: What do you think is the mood of the generals in Burma? Have you made any attempt to reopen dialogue with them?

DR THAUNG HTUN: We have been repeatedly calling for a dialogue. We are for a dialogue negotiation and compromise since 1988, but so far they have ignored our call for dialogue. So now they are having, you know, trying to, you know, organise a new election without any implementation of the 1990 election. What we are calling for is a kind of transition which can be played by all the stakeholders including the military. It is a win-win situation. We need to step up more pressure on the regime to go to the negotiation table.

SEN LAM: Well, Burma, of course, is under US and European economic sanctions over human rights and its failure to reform, do you think those sanctions have worked?

DR THAUNG HTUN: Sanctions worked to the extent that it is the expression of this approval of the behaviour of the regime. Of course, these sanctions were imposed because of their human rights violations committed by the regime and lack of progress and democratisation. But on the other hand, you know, there is the loophole because the Western democratic countries have imposed sanctions. Our neighbouring countries like India, China and ASEAN rushed to Burma to exploit natural resources so there should be more coordination between the Western players and our neighbouring countries because, you know, Burma should not be looking at only international affairs. We have already seen spill over effects from Burma to the region. So if the situation remains unchecked, it will become a sort of regional implication.

SEN LAM: OK, we’ll have to leave it there. Thank you very much for your time.

DR THAUNG HTUN: Thank you.

Posted in: Daily News.