"...Question: As you travel to Burma occasionally how do you evaluate Burma?s current political and social conditions? Answer: I think Burma?s political and social conditions are very bad, and I have been very disappointed about the lack of progress on both fronts. Since the release of Aung San Suu Kyi on May 6, we had hoped for some modest progress, but as far as I can determine there has been virtually none except for the fact of her release. Even the release of more political prisoners has stopped and this is essential for any real dialogue. Suu Kyi cannot accept indefinitely being released if her associates are still in prison. Q: If sanctions are lifted, do you think Burma will become prosperous, given the economic mismanagement by the generals for almost 15 years? Looking at the current bank crisis, it is evident that the SPDC is not capable of solving the economic woes. A: I have been against sanctions from the beginning, in Burma or almost anywhere because they rarely work (the South Africa case was completely different). That does not mean that Burma would become prosperous without sanctions. The climate for foreign investment and business is very poor. There is the obvious corruption, there is no independent arbitration mechanism, the judiciary is not independent, there is no predictability as the rules change all the time, infrastructure is inadequate, there is government intervention at all levels, and inter-ministerial coordination is minimal at best. Not only would Burma not prosper (in spite of increased foreign exchange earnings), but the country cannot now absorb increases in foreign humanitarian assistance because of regulations and bureaucratic incapacities..."