Burma should earn ARF status

Thai Foreign Minister Kasem S. Kasemsri was the first senior ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) official to publicly support Burma's application for membership in the ASEAN Region Forum (ARF).

The basis of his argument is that Burma is a member of Southeast Asia and will soon join ASEAN as well. Therefore, other non-ASEAN countries should not be concerned.

Thailand's position is understandable because it is the only ASEAN country that shares a common border with Burma.

Since the ruling junta known as the SLORC (State Law and Order Restoration Council) came to power in 1988, Thailand has waged a lonely battle trying to end Burma's isolation by calling for continued engagement with the Rangoon government, largely ignoring the international boycott of Burma.

Obviously, it is in Thailand's interest to see Burma join the ARF and subsequently become a member of ASEAN. Should this materialize, Burma will have an opportunity to express itself in regional and international forums.

In the process, it could learn to accept so-called international norms. It is hoped that through such exposure, the SLORC will be more open to implementing political changes.

With Burma part of the regional framework, Thailand is hoping that less pressure will be applied to it. The fact is other ASEAN countries have been engaging Burma.

Singapore is a major investor and trading partner of Burma. The two countries have excellent ties and the island republic's presence is highly visible there.

Nobody seems to be questioning Singapore's rational for moving so rapidly into Burma. As the old saying goes, it is business as usual.

We see the merits of including Burma in the ARF as it is located strategically between South and Southeast Asia.

But before admitting Burma, we have to be sure that the SLORC will not get away with its past and present atrocities.

There is a climate of fear in the country with the military junta having no qualms in putting down dissent ruthlessly.

Pressure on the junta will only be effective if there is a common approach by all ARF members. This may be the only way to deal with Burma.

To let Burma's status in the ARF drive a wedge between the ASEAN and non-ASEAN members of the ARF would only satisfy the military regime there.

-- The Nation, Bangkok