July 12, 1999. Copyright 1999. Graphic News. All rights reserved.

FOREIGN MEDIATION SPURNED

LONDON, July 12, Graphic News: DESPITE STRONG international condemnation MyanmarÕs (BurmaÕs) generals show no sign of easing the iron grip they have held since crushing a democracy movement 11 years ago. And now the military government has poured cold water on offers of foreign mediation over human rights and the setting up of a national assembly.
ÒIt is our domestic affair,Ó Foreign Minister Win Aung says. ÒWe are trying to solve the problems by peaceful means by ourselves. Our problems are very complex.Ó
The United States imposed unilateral sanctions in 1997 in protest against the governmentÕs human rights record and to counter repression of the Myanmar opposition led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. These sanctions barred new investment but allowed existing projects to go ahead. 
But last month (June 24) the U.S. appeals court overturned a 1996 state law that penalised firms doing business with Myanmar. The so-called ÒMassachusetts LawÓ Ð which added 10 percent to any bids received from such firms Ð was ruled unconstitutional.
The measure had been the subject of intense talks between Washington, Japan and the European Union, as well as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The EU has also filed a complaint with the World Trade Organisation against it.
ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The European Union banned Myanmar officials from its borders earlier this year but has no economic sanctions. The ban has damaged relations between the EU and ASEAN. Earlier this year, a meeting in Germany of the foreign ministers of the two blocs, which is supposed to take place every two years, was cancelled because of the restriction.
An EU delegation visited the country last week to attempt to reestablish a dialogue with the government. The European Union wants to see Òsubstantial progressÓ on human rights before lifting the ban.
In March former South African president Nelson Mandela said he was willing to consider the role of mediator if formally asked by the opposition but Win Aung effectively turned the offer down.
Amnesty International reported in June that MyanmarÕs widespread abuses against ethnic minorities Ð including killings, torture and rape Ð had worsened despite its entry to ASEAN in 1997.
ÒASEAN countries claimed that such a move would encourage Myanmar to improve its human rights record,Ó Amnesty said, ÒIn fact the opposite has been true.Ó
Suu KyiÕs National League for Democracy won 82 percent of the parliamentary seats in MyanmarÕs last general election in 1990 but the military ignored the result.
Her party says it is willing to conduct dialogue with the military, but the government has insisted that the party first renounce a committee it established last year to represent the parliament never allowed to form after the election.
Now tension is rising again in Yangon (Rangoon) with the approach of key dates tied to the bloody coup. The small, but vocal band of open opponents to the junta is ratcheting up pressure for change.
ÒThe Burmese authorities must learn that they canÕt go against the will of the people forever,Ó says Suu Kyi.
/ENDS