Myanmar and ASEAN's goodwill<\/p>\n
V.K. Chin, The Star, Asia News Network\/Selangor, Malaysia<\/p>\n
Every ASEAN summit can be regarded as useful as it enables its
\n10 leaders to air their views and to spell out their intentions
\non how to make the regional grouping more effective.<\/p>\n
However, the real success of such meetings could only be
\ndescribed as fruitful if all the proposals contained in the joint
\ndeclaration are implemented for the benefit of its citizens.<\/p>\n
It is only when this target has been met could such a meeting
\nbe deemed successful. Good proposals will always look and sound
\nnice on paper but they should be translated into action quickly
\nif they are to benefit the people.<\/p>\n
Much more needs to be done to advance regional cooperation,
\nespecially when it comes to trade, investment and tourism. ASEAN
\nhas been quite impressive mainly in dealing with political and
\ndiplomatic issues.<\/p>\n
It has managed to resolve many of its internal problems and to
\ndefuse situations before they get out of control. But what is
\nimportant is that the grouping must be genuine in its unity and
\npurpose.<\/p>\n
Members should try to minimize any untoward issues which could
\naffect bilateral relations. They must be strong internally before
\nthey can act in concert to face any external challenge.<\/p>\n
They must think as one instead of many so that their actions
\ndo not jeopardize the interests of their neighbors. They must
\nalso not allow the stubbornness of one member put others in a
\ndifficult situation.<\/p>\n
It is for this reason that Myanmar has to be told to expedite
\nthe release of its political prisoners, which was a sticking
\npoint between ASEAN and the rest of the world, particularly the
\nEuropean Union, the United States and Australia.<\/p>\n
To show its seriousness for Myanmar to make democratic
\nchanges, ASEAN took the unusual step of breaching its non-
\ninterference stance to urge its recalcitrant member do what was
\nnecessary to put things right.<\/p>\n
Otherwise, the grouping may be forced to take action that
\nmight put Myanmar in a tighter spot than it is now in. The
\ngrouping cannot keep on defending the military regime, which must
\nshow some goodwill in return for the support from its ASEAN
\ncounterparts.<\/p>\n
The grouping will expect Myanmar to start releasing its
\npolitical prisoners without further delay and to work out a
\nprogram to introduce a timetable for democratic reforms, such as
\nfree elections.<\/p>\n
This is the minimum that the other ASEAN members require
\nMyanmar to do. The grouping is also realistic that elections
\ncannot be held immediately but it should be within a reasonable
\ntime frame.<\/p>\n
It cannot remain a hurdle to good relations between ASEAN and
\nthe rest of the world. It has run out of goodwill and excuses and
\nit will need to change its ways or face the consequences.<\/p>",
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