Myanmar

ASEAN Backs Mynamar as Chair

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) has approved Myanmar’s request to lead their regional bloc in 2014. Myanmar’s history with military rule, and it’s unsavory record regarding human rights , have prevented them from consideration in the past. This decision was based on Myanmar’s reformed civillian government; a lot of positive feedback has been given to Myanmar for its efforts to tolerate criticism, legislation of labor unions and making peace with certain ethnic minority groups. Myanmar has vowed that this government change will bring significant economic growth and much-needed social reformation. Myanmar’s position as chair will help it become a quality member of ASEAN.

Myanmar talks a pretty good game, but have they really improved that much? President Barack Obama stated, in a press conference in Australia, that Myanmar’s questionable human rights record is still persisting. Perhaps Myanmar’s addition to ASEAN will help the organization resolve conflicts more effectively. In the past, ASEAN has had a history of staying out of other countries’ internal affairs. Myanmar’s role will be an interesting one considering the topics that are to be discussed at this upcoming bloc: trade matters and the European debt crisis. The bloc has been extended to include Russian President Dimitry Medvedev and Obama so that their input could be included on such matters. With Obama taking an interest in Myanmar’s human rights record and current government’s state, one has to be curious as to the consequences behind this. It’s also somewhat surprising that Obama has been invited to an event where certain countries (China) do not exactly welcome the United States. Perhaps Obama’s interest in Myanmar is an attempt at making peace with China?

Liberal

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1165802/1/.html

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2011/11/2011111752457348715.html

November 17, 2011 at 3:58 pm