Reaction on ASEM by Sao Harn Yawnghwe

DVB ( July 23,2003 )

Some observers believe that the discussion of Burmese affairs at the ASEM is quite an extraordinary development, especially the attendance of China is quite significant in itself and if a statement urging the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi could be issued from the meeting, the SPDC could be isolated further in the world.

The director of Belgium-based Euro-Burma Office, U Harn Yawnghwe gave his reactions as follows:

Sao Harn Yawnghwe : As the affairs of Burma are discussed at the meeting, it means that the problems of Burma are affecting the world. Before, the Association of South East Asian Nations [ASEAN] did not say anything whatever the SPDC was doing. Now, they are saying that the SPDC is not right in what it is doing and it should release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Now they are starting to say it. Before, people said that only western countries have been supporting democracy activists. What is clear now is the ASEAN is also saying that the deeds of the SPDC are not right.

DVB : Did they persuade the SPDC in previous ASEMs like they are doing now?

Sao Harn Yawnghwe : They never did that in previous ASEMs because Burma was never included in these meetings. When ASEAN and Europe consult with one another, ASEAN wants to include more countries in the meeting. But Europe could not accept this if Burma is included. But ASEAN needs to expand the meeting. As Burma is having problems, they can’t just not mention Burma. Thus, the matter of Burma came up after consulting with Europe.

DVB : At this meeting, China, Japan and South Korea are also attending on the Asian side. If they could issue a joint statement urging the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, could you say that it is one of the significant developments because of the Chinese participation?

Sao Harn Yawnghwe : Yes, you could say that. China used to regard it as the internal problem of Burma and they said it to that effect before. It is quite significant that China is attending the meeting. Japan is also attending and it is starting to comment on Burma from this year. The international community is saying that the situation in Burma is bad and the deeds of the SPDC are not right. They urge that there should be other methods and that the SPDC should release Daw Suu and talk to her. We have to watch how the Chinese are going to react later but if they could agree something at ASEM, that would be quite an extraordinary thing.