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Burma'S way to the world lies throu



Subject: Burma'S way to the world lies through Rangoon (Article fr Indian News paper)

Burma'S way to the world lies through Rangoon

By Mike Jendrzejczyk

"The Aisan Age" newspaper
Date 12th January, 2000.

Washington: Will Burma's military rulers mark the new millennium by
returning the country to civilian government and adopting a "pro-people
stance," as recommended by the World Bank and the United Nations? Much
will depend on the actions of Japan, historically Burma's largest
bilateral aid donor.
 A break through will also require new flexibility by the Burmese
government and by Western governments.
 Japan's prime minister, Keizo Obuchi, has clearly signalled Tokyo's
interest in trying to rekindle democracy and respect for human rights.
He broke a 15 year taboo on high-level contacts with the Burmese regime
when he met General Than Shwe in Manila in November.
 That was followed by a "private" visit to Rangoon by former Prime
Minister Ryutato Hashimoto. He reinforced the message that resumption of
large-scale aid, suspended after the bloody military crackdowns in 1988,
could occur in exchange for "visible" signs of political and economic
change.
 Perhaps the generals were paying attention. The ruling State Peace and
Development Council delivered on a promise to Mr. Hashimoto. Late last
month it began reopening universities that had been closed for three
years. The gesture fell far short of what was needed, but kept Japan's
diplomatic initiative alive.
 the real tests is yet to come for both the regime and the Opposition
National League for Democracy led by the Nobel Peace laureate Daw Aung
San Suu Kyi. They must find a way to talk to each other.
 Japan could help bridge the gap if it could convince the regime to
cooperate fully with a joint effort by UN and World Bank. Tokyo can
credibly use the carrot of new bilateral loans, as well as the
possibility of  renewed international landing. But Japan needs to be
more explicit about the kinds of changes it expects.
 There is an urgent need to develop a road map. The elements of a reform
program have been laid out. In autumn, the UN General Assembly adopted a
tough resolution urging the government to end persecution of the league,
open a " substantive political dialogue" with the opposition and ceases
" widespread and systematic use" of forced labour, esp in ethnic
minority areas.
 UN secretary-general's envoy went to Burma in October, but talks with
the Government were inclusive. The World Bank's latest report on Burma
recommends crucial economic reforms, coupled with political change, to
reverse the country's slide into poverty and misery. The regime has
invited the bank to send a mission to Rangoon for discussion, and Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi has been consulted by the bank on the report's
findings.
 But talks between Burma's leaders and officials of the UN or the bank
will go nowhere unless Rangoon is ready to embark on a reforms path.
Lifting restrictions on free expression and assembly, and releasing
political prisoners, would be obvious first steps as confidence-building
measures.
 For meaningful dialogue between the government and opposition, there
must be a climate of good will on both sides.
 Concrete action by Burma could trigger a response by others in addition
to Japan. For example,  if Burma took effective action to end the use of
forced labour, and this could be independently verified, the EU could
reinstate trade preferences for Burma's agricultural and industrial
exports, suspended in 1997.
 The International Labour Organization (ILO) could reverse its de facto
expulsion of Burma last year.
 The Clinton administration could consider lifting some US sanctions if
all harassment and jailing of league members ended ( although providing
direct aid to government would not be option).
 In general it may be useful for the US to continue playing the role od
"bad cop" to Japan's "good cop". Yet Washington , too, must be flexible.
An incremental approach to sanction is likely to be more effective.
 Burma might not be ready to shed its international pariah status. But
an end to repression there would be a fitting