In defense of constructive engagement

In defense of constructive engagement

Now that Myanmar is an ASEAN observer, with the promise of
full membership in two years, it is possible to look back with
some amusement on the hype and the hysterics, and the postures
struck by some Western spokesmen. Not for a moment is this to
suggest that ASEAN should -- or did -- turn a blind eye to what
Philippine Foreign Secretary Domingo Siazon rightly described as
a common commitment to "participatory democracy and respect for
human rights". But the controversy that was quite unnecessarily
created might recommend the need for a review of relations with a
European Union (EU) whose agenda on a number of issues may not
synchronize with ASEAN's priorities. Dissent may be the essence
of debate, but there are situations, and this was one of them,
when it can only distract attention and energy from more
important matters at hand.

This summit and post-ministerial conference were path-breaking
events. The inclusion of China and Russia as full dialogue
partners recognized an Asia-Pacific reality; extension of the
same status to India indicated formal acknowledgement of the
beginnings of a synergistic partnership. Myanmar's eventual full
membership, to be preceded by Laos and Cambodia, underscored the
long-term vision of the ASEAN 10. Hardly could such a concept, of
vital importance to millions of Asians, be allowed to be
disrupted because the European Parliament had passed a resolution
calling for sanctions against Myanmar. Strict adherence to the
demand would have deprived even EU chairman Dick Spring of what
he admitted was a "useful opportunity" for exchanging views with
Myanmar Foreign Minister Ohn Gyaw.

Nothing, in fact, summed up the choice better than this
episode. Either there is a dialogue, with its inherent scope of
influencing attitudes and actions, or there is a boycott, which
amounts to disclaiming all responsibility for present and future
conditions. The latter course is hardly advisable for neighbors
with so much at stake.

-- The Straits Times, Singapore