We Don’t Do ‘Regime Change’

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Aren't you worried about looking soft on an international pariah?
No. Either you change the regime or you change the behavior of the regime. I don't have the instruments to change the regime. So if you want to change the behavior of a regime, what do you do? You have to talk.

So are you setting any deadlines for talks?
The talks are long overdue. The release of Aung San Suu Kyi and the other political prisoners is long overdue. Those are also the best way to avoid more sanctions.

Have sanctions worked at all?
Maybe so, maybe not. But if they are combined with real engagement and with some incentives at the appropriate time, they could work.

The junta argues that it is progressing with its "Seven-Point Roadmap." Do you agree?
You can't have a roadmap to democracy that excludes the [opposition's National League for Democracy]. The first step was the national convention, which took 14 years, but they're finished. The next is the constitutional drafting committee, which they have established. The people of Myanmar [Burma], the neighboring countries and the world can't wait another 14 years for the next step.

Many activists say that's not enough.
I was designated special envoy working on this matter only last May. May! This thing's been going on for decades. My predecessor was not allowed in the country for two and a half years. The special rapporteur for human rights was not allowed in for four and a half years. So we're not celebrating, but even if you're not satisfied, what is the alternative? The U.N. is not in the business of changing regimes. What we have the capacity for and the mandate for is to change the behavior of the regime. That's why we have consultations with all the key actors: China, India, ASEAN countries, the United States, the European Union, Japan, Australia.

What are the attitudes of those actors?
If there's any unanimity, it's in support of the secretary-general's office. All of them.

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If we believe "Punishment is to improve", to change the behavior of regime, it is needed not only to talk, but to reward and recognize its progress. It will lubricate its road map to roll forwards. Even the bad kid loves sweet words. But, these words are rarely heard in global community. Always, blame after blame.
Fortunately, Japan and UK resumed humanitarian aid to Myanmar. EU's view on Myanmar turned to pragmatic. EU you started to listen voices of Myanmar neighbors. Soon, Carrot-and-Stick Approach may be practically realized. We hope so.
Sanctions, on many aspects, make burden on common people and drag development in Myanmar. Sanctions bring poverty, diseases and brain drain. Skyrocketing fuel prices is the partial cause of September demonstration in Myanmar, but the primary is that common people face difficulties on living. Economic, health and education systems can not run effectively in Myanmar, and sanctions worsen them.
"'Not only will they not work, but they will be counterproductive, noting that the only place where sanctions worked was in South Africa because the people supported the action and even there it took 10 years for the government to change", said Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
If urging reform is intended for Myanmar peoples' sake, please, let them have break to breathe during reform is in progress, by providing humanitarian and development aid. Let them savor the taste of Democracy in advance. Then, they will surely chase to Democracy with the growth of middle class.
Many problems will be solved gradually without much effort. Simultaneously political process for reform is being carried out. Speedy! It is time to turn strategic move from "Sanctions for reform "to "Aid for reform ". A stone to shoot two birds: welfare of people and reform!

On Viewer
Myanmar

Member Comments

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Posted By: BurmeseLady @ 02/22/2008 2:34:31 AM

"The talks are long overdue. The release of Aung San Suu Kyi and the other political prisoners is long overdue. Those are also the best way to avoid more sanctions."

What exactly does Gambari mean by saying that?? does he mean Daw Aung San Suu Kyi have to house arrested all da time???
F**k UN, F**K China...all only rely on bullsh!t.....
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Posted By: Bornita @ 02/04/2008 8:52:47 AM

I would love to read/hear more interviews of Burmese people themselves so as to understand the issue more clearly. Unfortunately the interest cools in the media as the violence goes back the hidden sphere, but I am sure that there is still a lot to be done.
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Posted By: On Viewer @ 01/20/2008 1:58:10 PM

If we believe "Punishment is to improve", to change the behavior of regime, it is needed not only to talk, but to reward and recognize its progress. It will lubricate its road map to roll forwards. Even the bad kid loves sweet words. But, these words are rarely heard in global community. Always, blame after blame.
Fortunately, Japan and UK resumed humanitarian aid to Myanmar. EU's view on Myanmar turned to pragmatic. EU you started to listen voices of Myanmar neighbors. Soon, Carrot-and-Stick Approach may be practically realized. We hope so.
Sanctions, on many aspects, make burden on common people and drag development in Myanmar. Sanctions bring poverty, diseases and brain drain. Skyrocketing fuel prices is the partial cause of September demonstration in Myanmar, but the primary is that common people face difficulties on living. Economic, health and education systems can not run effectively in Myanmar, and sanctions worsen them.
"'Not only will they not work, but they will be counterproductive, noting that the only place where sanctions worked was in South Africa because the people supported the action and even there it took 10 years for the government to change", said Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
If urging reform is intended for Myanmar peoples' sake, please, let them have break to breathe during reform is in progress, by providing humanitarian and development aid. Let them savor the taste of Democracy in advance. Then, they will surely chase to Democracy with the growth of middle class.
Many problems will be solved gradually without much effort. Simultaneously political process for reform is being carried out. Speedy! It is time to turn strategic move from "Sanctions for reform "to "Aid for reform ". A stone to shoot two birds: welfare of people and reform!

On Viewer
Myanmar