Free Suu Kyi and the US May Invest in Burma: Clinton
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By WAI MOE |
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
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PHUKET, Thailand—The United States would be willing to expand its relations with Burma if the country's military junta released opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Wednesday in Phuket. “If she [Suu Kyi] were released, that would open up opportunities, at least for my country, to expand our relationship with Burma, including investments in Burma. But it is up to the Burmese leadership," Clinton said. The US has imposed economic sanctions on Burma since 1997, preventing new US investment in the military-ruled country. The US set tighter economic sanctions that banned importing goods from Burma in 2003, following an attack on Suu Kyi's convoy by regime-backed thugs at Depayin in northern Burma. At Wednesday's press conference, Clinton repeated US concerns over the military cooperation between Burma and North Korea, and the pursuit of "offensive weapons including nuclear weapons." “There are a lot of issues that Burma raises for the entire region, not just the United States," she said, adding that it was important to encourage the Burmese leadership to open up and pursue the model other Asean countries are following. Clinton told reporters at the press conference in Bangkok on Tuesday that the Obama administration is concerned about the increasing military ties between North Korea and Burma. “We know that there are also growing concerns about military cooperation between North Korea and Burma, which we take very seriously. It would be destabilizing for the region," Clinton said. "It would pose a direct threat to Burma’s neighbors. And it is something, as a treaty ally of Thailand, that we are taking very seriously." Clinton, who is now attending the Asean Regional Forum in Phuket, said that Burma is moving in the opposite direction from other Southeast Asian countries, which, like the United States, want the Burmese military government to change their behavior. Clinton added that the Burmese junta would have a better future by turning away from isolation and treating their own people better. During an interview on The Nation Thai television network, Clinton said Asean should consider expelling Burma from the regional bloc if the junta fails to release pro-democracy leader Suu Kyi. Before flying to Phuket, Clinton met several activists in Bangkok, including Dr Cynthia Maung, founder of the Mae Tao Clinic for Burmese migrants and refugees in the Thai-Burmese town of Mae Sot. After fleeing the 1988 uprising, Cynthia Maung set up a clinic in Mae Sot where she and her medical workers treat refugees and migrant workers. The former US first lady Laura Bush visited her clinic in August 2008.
 COMMENTS (31)
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Garrett,
Your bravado is fast approaching one of the of the many opinionated here.
Ideal aside, if getting rid of a sitting government, which is repugnant in every respect, is that easy why is US still in Iraq?
In the comfort of your US air conditioned home, you, a little more qualified, due to your contribution at the "Border", than the like of Buzzi, Steinberg et al will advocate a policy, without regards for Burmese mentality, tradition, and sentiments is truly astounding, at best cavalier bordering on irresponsible at worst.
Do your homework and and then if you still come to this conclusion so be it.
It is always easy to "Get rid of things that is not working approach", a typical American concept.
If a better replacement is available and "getting rid" is no more than calling the salvation army it might work.
Then again salvation army will be swelled by 400,000 more in ranks. |
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Moe Aung Wrote: |
29/07/2009 |
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Garrett,
"If the people are unprepared, prepare them! The only real answers to the complicated social and economic problems in Burma are in the actions of the Burmese citizens."
Couldn't agree more and much appreciated.
That's why political work on the army rank and file as well as on the masses of the myriad peoples of Burma to unite and stand up as one is absolutely crucial at this stage.
The peaceful and victorious color revolutions of Eastern Europe cannot happen in Burma as you've witnessed time and again here, the Saffron Revolution being the latest. We must work hard to try and improve the odds first and level the playing field for a fighting chance.
People from all walks of life, creed and ethnicity must come together to achieve a critical mass, both armed and unarmed. The people will fight literally, but they must not be sacrificed in vain over and over again. The essence is in the timing and readiness. |
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Garrett Wrote: |
29/07/2009 |
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Moe Aung:
"But you can't focus on one's tragic circumstamces and then demand the other to make costly sacrifices unprepared in the face of certain defeat."
Considering the costly sacrifices and tragic circumstances of so many in Burma every day, it should not be necessary to DEMAND anything.
If the people are unprepared, PREPARE THEM.
If I want to discuss what is necessary to save the hundreds of thousands of innocent deaths each year, I will indeed find it necessary to focus on those who are in the position to bring about change.
The alternative is:
*To appease the SPDC as they continue to build-up their army.
*Make sure no other nations stand in their way as they continue the rape of Burma.
*Lift sanctions in order to help the SPDC become wealthier.
*Turn away in apathy as millions more perish of disease and starvation in the future years.
The only real answers to the complicated social and economic problems in Burma are in the actions of the Burmese citizens. |
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Garrett Wrote: |
29/07/2009 |
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Tide, planB, et al:
Any SPDC devised "democracy" in Burma which does not provide the same rights and freedoms for ALL BURMESE CITIZENS, is simply an SPDC move to take advantage of, and build on the apathy of those Burmese citizens who have already traded-off the enslavement of their fellow citizens for their relative freedom.
Diversion of the topic to the actions or inactions of other nations is just that, a diversion which is just as detrimental to discussing freedom in Burma as the unhelpful diversion of attention away from the REAL issues in Burma by focusing on freeing Daw Suu.
The REAL issues in Burma are FREEDOM FOR ALL, and REMOVAL FROM POWER of the military criminals, not a simple repackaging of the current government with civilian puppets who can be blamed for messing up the country, and then quickly be removed in another coup.
The SPDC are very crafty, and they have not suddenly seen the error of their ways and decided to become a kinder and gentler dictatorship. |
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Garrett – don’t focus on my ethnic roots. If you must know, I am the mixture of Mon, Rakhine, Da-Nu, Indian, Chinese and Kayin. But I see myself as a citizen of Myanmar and I am not interested in my forebears’ love making history.
It sounds like your job is to stand up for minorities; then think of something constructive for them; don’t ask them to fight the Myanmar military because they are too weak and eventually are going to get killed.
You should ask your Western governments to invest in border areas and create employments for those minorities, if you are that compassionate about them. Don’t let yourself loose just because you are too compassionate about Myanmar minority groups.
Be pragmatic! No one likes militarism. Just because people don't agree with ASSK's political stance, it doesn't mean they support the military government. Just that ASSK is worse than the military, and she needs to be thrown out of Myanmar first so that all groups can passionately debate in the ring. She is no use in our politics. |
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"Many describing themselves as Burmese keep commenting that it is someone else's responsibility to help THEM gain THEIR freedom, the UN, the US, or THEY should end the sanctions so that WE can make money along with the regime through the slave labor of our countrymen who pay with THEIR blood, sweat, and tears while WE complain and do nothing to help THEM."
You won't be saying that if you have friends and relatives in BURMA.Blanketed Sanctions are imposed by the west, justified by DASSK and NLD. SPDC subsequent behavior has not helped.
My only gripe is why is the west picking on Burma using DAASK as their end all cure all condition?
I didn't see EU. US or UN making much fuss about recent Xinchiang repressive Chinese action or Tibet.
If you perceive the opinionated sentiment as relying on the West you totally miss the boat.
Your concern for the 1.5 millions refugees is admirable. But the majority of those suffering are in Burma.
Lifting Blanket Sanction is not= Relying on the west! |
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Moe Aung Wrote: |
27/07/2009 |
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Garrett,
I completely understand and sympathize with the far worse plight of the minorities compared with the mainland and for such a long time.True,only when it became our turn in the towns and cities of Burma that most of us (not me or my family) began to wake up and take stock of the situation,not that our lives were that much better though more secure.But you can't focus on one's tragic circumstamces and then demand the other to make costly sacrifices unprepared in the face of certain defeat.There is no Burman ceasefire group of any significant strength.
You were again right about the economic crisis as the trigger to protests and demonstrations on most occasions.People certainly care more about making a livelihood - to put food on the table - than democracy.That's why benevolent autocrats who provided peace, security and prosperity were popular in history.That's why the older generation in Burma still talks about the good old times under the British.This lot is beyond the pale. |
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| To Khun Tun Kyaw Lay: If DASSK and her members are in a hopeless position, you are in a big trouble. Your life is in jeopardy. You will not have a future. But DASSK and her party is not like what you think. DASSK is full of hope and ambition. She is strong physically and mentally. Her party and NLD members are stronger than ever. We know our destiny, we know we can do it, we know we will be able to give freedom and hope for the people of Burma. Don't give up, Man! You sound so depressed and hopeless. Are you going to stand up and be counted, or are you just going tolie down and give up? |
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Moe Aung Wrote: |
27/07/2009 |
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Garrett: "Many describing themselves as Burmese keep commenting that it is someone else's responsibility to help THEM gain THEIR freedom, the UN, the US, or THEY should end the sanctions so that WE can make money along with the regime through the slave labor of our countrymen who pay with THEIR blood, sweat, and tears while WE complain and do nothing to help THEM."
Absolutely spot on. Yes, self-reliance and no holds barred. Above all, UNITE. |
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KMA
"It's fear of losing their grip on power, not pride, that guides their actions. It has blinded them to the endless opportunities that will open up by releasing ASSK. It's them, not the West, that she means so much to hold on to."
Can Irrawaddy make his statement a sticky?
Making all opinionated read it before posting!
Kudos to Ko Moe AUng. |
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Garrett Wrote: |
27/07/2009 |
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"Garrett: Obviously you are not Burmese and you can't understand our situation."
I understand YOUR situation very clearly Tide, YOU are not one of the ethnic nationalities being persecuted and enslaved. That said- it makes sense why you only complain that protests shouldn't take place in the absence of democracy.
Moe Aung: No, you are not running around in circles, and the only deja vu I see is Eastern Burma.
Please don't try to tell me the 2007 marches were pro-democracy, they were to complain that the prices of fuel and commodities went up drastically.
You guys need to remember that part of the luxury of your lives in the cities, where no one is burning your home, stealing your food, raping your women, or dragging you off to haul war supplies to attack your families is that you are the closest to the media spotlight of all of your countrymen, whose suffering buys your relative freedom.
You better start paying up or the SPDC is going to work their way around to your house too. |
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Moe Aung Wrote: |
25/07/2009 |
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Garrett: "They must take to the streets with peaceful protests and hope for the best from the soldiers in the Burma army.If there are peaceful protests,and regime violence, there will be media coverage and UN scrutiny."
A bit of deja vu here. Aren't we then running around in circles? Should we really be employing the human wave tactic and take our chances with the soldiers? Are we mostly dispensable?
We definitely must try and improve the odds, level the playing field first. We must redouble our efforts in the political work on the army rank and file to win them over to the people's side.
Timothy: Regime change by invasion ain't gonna happen. Stop looking West.
Khun Htun Kyaw Lay: "They are not flexible to the Burmese government."
Being in power with all the guns must entitle you to be completely inflexible,and flexibility becomes a one-way street. So just shut up and put up,turn the other cheek,and all will be well. Great,we have another Messiah.
Myint Thein:Charity & politics don't mix. |
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Moe Aung Wrote: |
25/07/2009 |
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Nyunt Shwe: "I urge my country's military leadership to find a reason that won't hurt their pride, but give way to release Daw Suu."
It's fear of losing their grip on power, not pride, that guides their actions. It has blinded them to the endless opportunities that will open up by releasing ASSK. It's them, not the West, that she means so much to hold on to.
"The military leadership all belong to the Buddhist faith. They will reciprocate if your effort is genuine. First is to alliviate the poverty and economic development. Second is to create civil institutions, and third is to democratize."
Wish you were right. First, there's a big question mark over their faith. As to the optimism over development leading to democratization, have we seen any sign of it in China yet? Is the Russian way - perestroika and glasnost first - any better? Comrades merely turning into capitalists in both instances? Is putting our faith in the redeeming qualities of the junta merely deluding ourselves? |
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Garrett Wrote: |
25/07/2009 |
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If you are selling a rotting product, you must ask a low price and you have no power to bargain. If you are selling a rare product, the price will be higher, and you can negotiate with a buyer.
The NLD, the other democratic organizations, and the people in the cities are attempting to sell to the SPDC their fear and inaction, in return for their freedom. This is hardly a favorable position to bargain from.
Yet many keep speaking of Daw Suu and the NLD as if she is able to communicate with them and lead them.
She had a very rare product, which the people in the cities and the NLD have found too expensive to attempt to sell.
Many describing themselves as Burmese keep commenting that it is someone else's responsibility to help THEM gain THEIR freedom, the UN, the US, or THEY should end the sanctions so that WE can make money along with the regime through the slave labor of our countrymen who pay with THEIR blood, sweat, and tears while WE complain and do nothing to help THEM. |
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Garrett: Obviously you are not Burmese and you can't understand our situation. Your views may represent the Burmese (Kayin, Mon, etc) along the border. Burma is more than that. Burma is the country of 52 million and 135 ethnic groups, plus Chinese and Indian Burmese.
Protests shouldn't take place in the absence of democracy. We are aware of the presence of a military government, that is why "reform" is needed in order to pave a road to democracy. |
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Khun Htun Kyaw Lay Wrote: |
24/07/2009 |
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| Daw Daw Sui and her members are in a hopeless position. We cannot trust them anymore. They are not flexible to the Burmese government. If the NLD members take the advantage strongly on the Burmese government they will be the loser and the innocent people also will suffer more and more. The NLD must understand and forgive the mistakes that the bad government has done in the past. There is a saying "victims must be the ones to forgive the wrongdoers because the wrongdoers will never admit their wrongs." In this case, the NLD must rethink their policy. The NLD must solve the problems as soon as possible. It is urgently needed for the people who are longing for peace and justice. |
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Garrett Wrote: |
24/07/2009 |
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Hi Tide,
I don't think most citizens of Burma would agree with your views.
As for Timothy, his comments were completely backwards. The people of Burma cannot wait any longer for the UN, or other countries who can't act because of China, they must take to the streets with peaceful protests and hope for the best from the soldiers in the Burma army. If there are peaceful protests, and regime violence, there will be media coverage and UN scrutiny.
If units of the army start defecting knowing their family members are being cut down in the streets, they will know who it is giving the orders. China can only get in the way if the Burmese people do nothing.
You can't march for three days, run in fear, and wait twenty years to do it again. |
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Salai Bawi Wrote: |
24/07/2009 |
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| This kind of conditionality will always be counterproductive. Who is Suu Kyi, what's her true color? Every Burmese has to ask that now. We have a reached critical point. I think Suu Kyi is the problem for Burma rather than the solution. |
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Garrett Wrote: |
24/07/2009 |
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Dear Myint Thein,
I don't know where you are writing from, but I have served time along the border working with the Karen refugees and orphans.
Maybe you have a different idea of what the phrase "Burma's children" represents, but I doubt that many of the over 100,000 infants who die yearly come from the cities.
I am curious as to why you believe I support sanctions?
I support Daw Suu's call for Freedom From Fear whereby the Burmese people learn the ways of Satyagraha, and do what must be done to end the oppressive reign of the generals.
Twenty years proves there are no sanctions which are meaningful to the SPDC.
Sanctions are better than nothing, and help keep countries from taking advantage of the high profits from slave labor the regime can offer them.
The Burmese people can start peacefully protesting at any time, the media can start reporting at any time.
I feel your pain, but the responsibility to gain freedom lies in the hands of the Burmese people, who must find courage.
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Hi Garrett,
If you asked such a silly question, then the same question could be thrown at you. Why can't you free Suu Kyi?
The book Freedom from Fear is all about ego, and to be honest it's a piece of c..p. So, don't use these useless words to echo Suu Kyi who has been cheating on her voters.
We, Myanmar people, do not beg any country for political enlightenment, especially the US's pardon. Only people like you, Garrett, beg Clinton's pardon, whose country has been killing millions around the world (Vietnam, Iraq, Haiti, Somalia, Colombia, Mexico and many other countries), and for the Americans so long as the actual war does not take place on their soil, they are heroes, aren't they?
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W Thangaraja Wrote: |
23/07/2009 |
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| What is she going to do about the new found friendship between the ruling Rajapakses of Sri Lanka and North Korea? Perhaps she will leave it to the back stabbing Congress Party of India. |
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timothy Wrote: |
23/07/2009 |
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| Regime change is urgently needed in Burma's politics. People have done demonstrations, mass processions, languishing in prisons, suffering and deaths. What else could people ask for? Popular demonstrations are very difficult to happen again in Burma as the junta knew the mother of dirty tricks to quell the big crowds. Most of the people had given up political struggles and they rather pay their attention now to daily survival. The people are waiting for UN or US forces to come to Rangoon, which is very remote chance. People will pour into the street if they see liberation forces of foreign armies march into Rangoon. Do we remember the jubilant crowds in Berlin when American and allied forces came to rescue them? Regime change by force is the only language Than Shwe can understand well. |
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Myint Thein Wrote: |
23/07/2009 |
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| Garrett - if you support sanctions than you are as complicit as the regime in the deaths of innocent children. Burma's children cannot wait for the 'right' government to be in power. They deserve the same help as children anywhere else in the world. We help millions around the world who live under dictatorships, but Burma's kids have to suffer needlessly because of political correctness. |
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Garrett Wrote: |
23/07/2009 |
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"Our parents voted for Suu Kyi and her party, and we – the children - have been used as hostages by Suu Kyi for her own power struggle."
Why didn't your parents act to free their country when Daw Suu was deposed and placed in confinement? And what power struggle by Daw Suu? She sacrificed her freedom for the people she loves, and expected them to do the same!
It was those Burmese who have not carried out her directives to peacefully protest for freedom who have held their children hostage to their own fear, while she has sacrificed her freedom for most of twenty years!
How do you sleep at night knowing your government is waging war against innocent civilians, destroying their homes and farms and either shooting them on sight, or allowing them to starve, if they don't die of a disease first. Or did your parents not tell you about the facts of life and death in the Burmese ethnic nationality homelands?
Get up, get out and protest.Free yourself from fear, before they come for you! |
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George Than Setkyar He Wrote: |
23/07/2009 |
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US investment is conditional on Daw Suu's freedom indeed sounds callous and random.
Than Shwe could be caught in his own game by simply linking him with North Korea threatening regional and world security today.
The dilemma today is Daw Suu's trial.He has to pay for hauling Daw Suu to Insein prison in the first place.Hence Maung Aye and his men are having grounds to nail him given Burma's prevailing political dilemma stemming from the military maniac's stupidity and presence in the picture.
The world is yelling for Daw Suu's freedom today.Daw Suu's freedom means Than Shwe's turn for the worst.Hence, the monk murderer will not free Daw Suu even beyond 2010.
Clinton bargaining for Daw Suu's freedom this way is outrageous, unproductive and
simply unacceptable.
And Daw Suu would rather die in prison than gain her freedom at the expense of Than Shwe and US making a few dollars more.
Thus either Than Shwe stays in power or Daw Suu gains her freedom should be basis for US policy today. |
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I would wonder what kind of investment the US would bring along with the release of Suu Kyi. The Government of Myanmar should not release ASSK until all sanctions were lifted.
Releasing Suu Kyi depends on one single voice. But as for lifting sanctions, the US administration has to face so many criticisms and obstacles from both sides of the aisle though they come directly from the executive branch.
Our parents voted for Suu Kyi and her party, and we – the children - have been used as hostages by Suu Kyi for her own power struggle.
The Myanmar government does not need any dirty investment like Coca Cola causing water shortage to our underground water system; unhealthy food chains like KFC or McDonald and many other crazy American cultures.
Only mutual respect is needed between Myanmar and America.
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Nyunt Shwe Wrote: |
23/07/2009 |
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This is good news. I urge my country's military leadership to find a reason that won't hurt their pride, but give way to release Daw Suu. I don't think she would destroy the coming election. Talking with her terms and conditions of her release might emerge new understanding between the two.
I urge her excellency Mrs Clinton not to consider only Daw Suu's well-being and political role, please think of 57 million people directly and indirectly affected by your country's sanctions for more than a decade.
I believe if United States really wants to see change in Myanmar, please engage, give our young people educational assistance and investments for the benefit of both countries.
The military leadership all belong to the Buddhist faith. They will reciprocate if your effort is genuine. First is to alliviate the poverty and economic development. Second is to create civil institutions, and third is to democratize. Don't expect the reverse way will work in Myanmar.
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Garrett Wrote: |
23/07/2009 |
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I beg your pardon Sec Clinton. We are calling for an end to the regime which allows over 100,000 children under five to die each year. In the twenty years since Daw Suu was deposed, that would be over 2 million infants and toddlers.
What about ages five to ten, ten to fifteen, etc? What does it all add up to? How many children's lives were snuffed out who would have grown up to become the Gandhi, Mother Teresa, or George Washington of their people?
We are calling for and end to the SPDC using one of Southeast Asia's largest armies to enforce their policies of the rape and enslavement of the ethnic nationalities and their resources, the confiscation of rice fields which are converted to rubber, palm oil, and castor oil plantations. The use of rape, disease, black zones, forced labor, and destruction of food as weapons of war against innocent civilians. The endless extortion and pillaging of those who have no voices in the media.
Free Burma, and you will free Aung San Suu Kyi. |
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5) If US will only invest unconditionally one week's worth of what was spent in Iraq in Burma yearly the economic benefit to the Hoi Polloi will eventually effect a change in the form of government in the very near future. This has been proven historically again and again.
6) Please do not surround yourself with so- called Burma's experts who have never set foot in the country. Neither should you listen to any so-called present government in exile members, nor to any of those who continue to ask for 88 legitimacy.
Stay away from celebrity for DASSK and its ilk for now. These problems will be solved eventually if not immediately through your back channel communication with SPDC.
7) As USA is great because of an economy that supports the government, Burma can be great too if it citizenry is truly economically empowered.
8) Please try to avoid any overbearing statements. Nothing turns off dialogue faster than impossible preconditions.
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Dear Hillary,
Please keep in mind these undeniable facts as you foray towards engagement:
1) Burma is ruled by a dictatorship of SPDC. A ruthless mostly self-serving, sexist military government. Please pay attention to the word "sexist" and realize the implications involved, ie you and DASSK.
2) Burmese are historically a strong willed, proud and loyal race in Asia. Please do not come across with another Banana republic approach to events.
3) The West are way behind China, Russia, ASEAN countries in exploiting the SPDC offering of Burma's future. Keep these competitors in mind if you are serious about empowering the citizenry of Burma instead of the usual empty blowing approach your previous administration has taken.
4) Words like might, would, if, only, may be, when and should are strong indications of empty blowing. Sadly democracy, DASSK and transparency all fall into that category too.
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Very sad message from Obama's administration. As if the reality of misery and oppression of 55 million people could be reduced to the fate of a single, though important, democratic icon.
A colossal step backward. |
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