Asean must get rid of Slorc
Source : Chamnong Watanagase, Bangkok Post
In the wake of all the paper tigers' condemnation of the Burmese junta regarding the blockade of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's travel to her party gathering, none has ever come close to a strong proposal that calls for further isolation of the Slorc. Asean should not have admitted the pariah into its fraternity in the first place. Though a few other recently inducted members are socialist nations, their regimes indeed are nationalists which do not turn to oppress their own compatriots.
On the other hand, the Burmese junta has defiantly ignored the world's criticism all along. Asean's stance on "constructive engagement" has proven futile, as members will not criticise each other's "internal affairs". What's the use of maintaining a diplomatic corps in the pariah nation then, when as far as engagement is concerned, constructive criticism in abusive and repressive behaviour of a fellow member is deemed as meddling in that country's internal affairs.
In light of the world being increasingly critical of Asean affairs, Asean itself has been no less defiant than the Burmese Slorc: it opts for turning a blind eye to its member's vicious behaviour.
If Asean wishes to patch up a tainted relationship with the EU, then it must get rid of Slorc! It is a moment of truth to choose between standing behind a pariah or the civilised world.