Verhagen speaks with Thant Myint-U about Burma
Newsflash | 30 November 2009
In a conversation with Burma analyst Thant Myint-U, Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen expressed concern about the lack of democratisation in Burma, the oppressive human rights situation, the treatment of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, in particular the extension of her house arrest, and military action against ethnic groups.
Mr Verhagen and Thant Myint-U met to talk about their ideas on how the international community can influence developments in Burma more effectively. Thant Myint-U is a historian and Burma analyst and the grandson of former Secretary-General of the United Nations U Thant. He believes that greater engagement with Burma would increase the likelihood of democratic development taking hold.
Years of sanctions have failed to effect any change, so the Netherlands – like other countries – is exploring other ways of fostering positive political developments in Burma. The new administration in the United States recently announced its intention to begin a direct dialogue with Burmese authorities in the hope of creating more openness and promoting democratic change in the run up to the 2010 general elections in Burma.
There is discussion within the EU about proceeding down the same path. Existing sanctions would be maintained and eased only if the Burmese regime takes steps in the right direction.
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