UN chief chides Burma over Suu Kyi visit

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UN chief chides Burma over Suu Kyi visit

Published: 4/07/2009 at 09:58 AM
Online news: Asia

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon delivered a stern rebuke to Burma's junta Saturday after the country's military ruler refused to let him meet detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

This picture released by the United Nations Information Centre shows UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (2ndL) studying a map of Burma's southwestern Ayeyarwaddy delta as he travels in a helicopter to the Cyclone Nargis-affected area. Ban delivered a stern rebuke to Burma's junta after the country's military ruler refused to let him meet detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Ban said the snub by top general Than Shwe was a missed opportunity for the hardline regime to show its commitment to fostering democracy and to holding free and fair elections as promised in 2010.

But he denied that he was ending his two-day visit empty-handed, saying that the reclusive junta chief had not rejected any of his other proposals for reform including the release of political prisoners.

"I am deeply disappointed that Senior General Than Shwe refused my request for a visit to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi," Ban told reporters in Bangkok after flying out of Rangoon.

He said that being able to visit her would have been an "important symbol of the government's willingness to embark on the kind of meaningful engagement that will be essential if the elections of 2010 are to be seen as credible."

"I believe the government of Burma failed to take a unique opportunity to show its commitment for a new era of political openness."

The refusal will spur critics of Ban's visit to Burma, which had been considered diplomatically risky because of its timing during Aung San Suu Kyi's trial on charges of breaching the terms of her house arrest.

The 64-year-old was transferred from her lakeside home to Rangoon's notorious Insein prison in May to face trial after an American man swam uninvited to the property. She faces up to five years in jail if convicted.

Ban however said that his visit had allowed him to convey "very frankly" the international community's concerns to Than Shwe over the course of their two meetings in the bunker-like capital of Naypyidaw.

"If you use the word reject, it's only my request to meet Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. For all my proposals, I believe they will seriously consider, they have not rejected any of what I proposed," Ban said.

Rights groups had warned that his visit would be considered a major failure unless he managed to win the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been detained for most of the last two decades.

Ban was kept waiting overnight in Burma to hear whether Than Shwe would allow him to see Aung San Suu Kyi.

Critics have accused the junta of using her trial as an excuse to keep Aung San Suu Kyi locked up for the polls. They also say the elections are a sham designed to entrench the generals' power.

In a rare public speech to diplomats and aid workers in the commercial hub Rangoon, Ban earlier outlined his vision for a democratic Burma.

"I am here today to say: Burma, you are not alone. We want to work with you for a united, peaceful, prosperous, democratic and modern Burma," Ban said.

The UN chief also visited areas affected by deadly Cyclone Nargis in 2008. He made his first visit to the country after the disaster, when he managed to persuade the regime to accept international aid.

Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in court in Rangoon on Friday but the trial was adjourned for a week because the judges had not received an earlier judgement barring two defence witnesses.

The case has sparked international outrage, with US President Barack Obama calling it a "show trial" and a host of world leaders and celebrities calling for her release.

In London, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown raised the prospect Saturday of further sanctions against Burma following Ban's apparently fruitless visit.

Aung San Suu Kyi has been under house arrest or in detention for 13 of the last 19 years since the junta refused to recognise her National League for Democracy's landslide victory in Burma's last elections, in 1990.

Ban has faced recent criticism for his softly-softly approach to the job of secretary general, but diplomats say he had hoped his quiet brand of diplomacy would work with Burma's generals.

Burma, formerly known as Burma, has been ruled by the military since 1962.

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Crazee Biker

Discussion 12 : 06/07/2009 at 12:46 PM12
This is a matter best resolved by ASEAN or by a coalition along the lines of that developed for the first Gulf War with different country such as France the UK or maybe Germany leading the charge or any of numerous other countries. Too many countries are invested financially in Burma and are afraid to lose those investments should their efforts to install a democracy fail. Asian economies are far more directly affected by the situation in Burma and therefore should take the lead in resolving this matter once and for all.
The US will never unilaterally intervene to over throw the Burmese junta nor should it is not in our direct political or economic interest to do so and we should not be relied upon to be the world’s police force then criticized when we do take direct action. You can’t have it both ways people. Obama has already shown himself to be reluctant to even criticize or take a hard stand against despots and dictators. Look at his recent actions, or lack of action regarding Honduras and Iran. Until Obama is voted out of office, freedom seeking people had better look somewhere else for support because it will not be found in this current administration. Just look at the actions so far to curb Americans freedoms at home and create a socialist state in the US. For all the criticisms of Bush (myself included) at least he understands what freedom is and that all people deserve it.
The UN is useless at best and can not be relied upon to enforce any change that will bring democracy to any country. One only needs to look at the African continent, the turmoil between the Palestinians and Israel, Iran and of course North Korea to see how ineffectual the UN is. All talk no action and that will never change as long as member states act only in their own self interests.
Long live Aung Sun Suu Kyi and all freedom loving people!!
veto

Discussion 11 : 06/07/2009 at 12:55 AM11
So what happened to the North Korea ship coming to Burma? Post opinion writes it is still coming. What is being traded? Some say arms and nuclear material for dirty b..ombs. Who knows? These are very important questions that should be asked.
Jaspal

Discussion 10 : 05/07/2009 at 01:02 PM10
obviously there is no point playing "Mr Nice" in any questions regards to Burma - talking for deaf ears.
Would be nice to ASEAN take it to the next level and exclude Burma.
Any state are obliged to secure and safeguard their citizens - the Burmese junta has by all means shown that they are not able to do so - time to intervene,
sam

Discussion 9 : 05/07/2009 at 12:22 PM9
The bottom line here is - The UN has always been a toothless tiger and Mr. Ban please kindly send in your resignation because you just don't fit.
J D

Discussion 8 : 05/07/2009 at 10:38 AM8
Wait a minute now samuel sims quote "so please Mr Obama, get rid of the jaunta and free the Burmese people, this is a justied war to fight the Burma jaunta." Now why does the USA have to be the country to confront the junta on it's horrific and terrible rule over Burma? The USA will never invade Burma, so for once in the world will another country be bold enough to confront human rights and do something about this issue? The USA is slowly moving away from the illegit and legitimate wars that they have been involved in now for the duration of the Bush era. Obama is not a warlord, he will NOT start a war in Burma or do anything but verbally condemn the actions of the Myanmar junta. The USA will never play games with a China backed opposition, the USA is already much in debt to China and this would be devastating to the corrupt powers that rule the world. And so, for Burma to be a democracy, it must be an action of the worldwide community to force the junta to resign from their power and allow democracy. Take a look at North Korea, they are launching missiles taunting war and Obama is not doing anything, the USA will not be invading or starting any more wars during the current administration, it will have to be a direct attack upon the country or a joint international venture with the UN backed approval to invade for such an event to take place.
SPICEMAN

Discussion 7 : 05/07/2009 at 03:10 AM7
I don't know who the UN Chief is kidding? If he wants something done in Myanmar, he needs to talk to the Chinese, who happens to be a permanent member of the UN. Good luck!
Bill Canada

Discussion 6 : 05/07/2009 at 12:01 AM6
My experience with Burma started on 8/8/88 when SLORC, the State Law and Order Restoration Council, murdered numerous students, monks and other “enemies of the state” that tried to hold really peaceful demonstrations. There were no colored shirts or the tactics like the Thai colored shirts used. I don’t consider taking over the Government House, closing airports or disrupting international meetings (Pataya) peaceful. So the SLORC had no excuse to shoot democracy sign holders, chanters or leaflet distributers, which they did in the hundreds. Not to mention the ones placed in the torture chambers of Insein and other detention holes. The same military cabal is still in control and still killing democracy advocates. Now they even have help from Khun Sa’s old tribe of narco-traffickers. They gave him a pardon, probably for a bigger share in the trade. There are other organizations that came to the aid of the SPDC, State Peace and Democracy Council. SLORC changed their name to enhance their image. The Nobel Prize winning and Democratic election winning Doctor Aung San Suu Kyi will never be allowed control even if she wins in 2110. I have to agree that regime change, by whoever has the courage, is necessary if the SPDC is ever to be ousted from power and brought to justice. Thailand should be cautious of Burma’s new relationship with North Korea. To me it’s scary for a rogue state to be getting lessons and equipment for war from another rogue state. Especially, when the receiver is my neighbor and has invaded my country in the past. Yes! Thailand, your historic enemy, Burma, is preparing for war. Quit worrying about Cambodia. They at least let the UN into their country to try and settle their problems.
FORCE!

Discussion 5 : 04/07/2009 at 10:30 PM5
What's the absolute bottom line here?

The thug generals will never give up, will never allow real democracy to occur?

Why? Because they know that if they lose control they will all be charged:

- With hundreds of very serious crimes in the Burmese justice system, many of which would bring the most serious punishment, meaning death if thats what the Burmese justice process provides.

- With hundreds of crimes against humanity to be tried in the international courts of justice.

Whether 'the world' should interfere in the affairs of any soverign country is a very difficult issue, but surely the world is now astute enough / compassionate enough to know that a properly and appropriately constituted authority (e.g. the UN) should and must intervene and release the Burmese people from there ruthless and evil thugs.

Nothing else will bring change.
SWS

Discussion 4 : 04/07/2009 at 08:24 PM4
"The senior general told me repeatedly that while he really wanted to agree to my request, at this time he felt sorry that because Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is now under trial, this would not give a good impression," Ban said.

"They didn't want to be seen as being interfered with or pressured by our side. But when the time comes he said he would consider this request." (Bangkok Post)

The above statement of UN secretary-general is a clear indication, from the part of General Than Shwe, that he has no political will to accommodate genuine democratic power-sharing but is determined to embark on his tyrannical, dictatorial rule, with a minimum of democratic trappings.

Ban's failure to score some positive points is only due to General Than Shwe's lack of "political will" to accommodate real democratic change, equality and all-inclusiveness, which the people of Burma has been longing and demanding for more than four decades.

We are thankful that Ban has taken the risk and spelled out what should and could be done to improve the situation in Burma for two hours, when he met the general yesterday. Hopefully, General Than Shwe will come to his sense and do the right thing, at least, this time. Otherwise, we will be witnessing the military top brass in civilian clothes manning the new regime, after 2010 junta's held and stage-managed election.

Then, we will be back to square one: tyrannical rule like the last 40 or more years.
Ted Hunt

Discussion 3 : 04/07/2009 at 07:38 PM3
I agree with Khun Daeng. The world leaders have stood by and let these dictators rule for over 40 years. The Generals have created their own little kingdom at the cost and suffering of the people of Burma. The UN and ASEAN need to show they mean business and quit lining these so called Generals pockets.
Everyone is loosing "face" and the Generals are laughing.

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UN chief chides Burma over Suu Kyi visit