DEMOCRACY CANNOT BE IMPOSED FROM OUTSIDE, MYANMAR WARNS AT UN DEBATE

DEMOCRACY CANNOT BE IMPOSED FROM OUTSIDE, MYANMAR WARNS AT UN DEBATE
New York, Oct 1 2007 8:00PM
The current crisis in <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/myanmar-eng.pdf">Myanmar is the result of a "neo-colonialist" attempt by powerful countries to exploit recent peaceful protests, the country's Foreign Minister told the General Assembly today, adding that "normalcy has now returned" after security forces took action against the demonstrators.

Speaking at the Assembly's annual high-level debate, U Nyan Win warned other Member States that "the destiny of each and every country… cannot be imposed from outside" and that Myanmar will proceed towards democracy in its own way.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Envoy to Myanmar Ibrahim Gambari is slated to meet Senior General Than Shwe, the top general in the Asian nation, tomorrow to discuss the deteriorating situation.

The Human Rights Council is also holding a special session on the issue tomorrow amid widespread international calls – including from Mr. Ban and the Security Council – for Myanmar's authorities to exercise restraint towards the protesters.

The Foreign Minister said today that an "initial protest of a small group of activists against the rise in fuel prices" had then been exploited by political opportunists.

"They sought to turn the situation into a political showdown aided and abetted by some powerful countries. They also took advantage of protests staged initially by a small group of Buddhist clergy demanding apology for maltreatment of fellow monks by local authorities.

"The security personnel exercised utmost restraint and they did not intervene for nearly a month. However, when the mob became unruly and provocative, they were compelled to declare a curfew. Subsequently, when protesters ignored their warnings, they had to take action to restore the situation. Normalcy has now returned in Myanmar."

Describing Myanmar as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, the Foreign Minister said the "Government is fully aware of its responsibility to lead the nation in the process of transformation to a disciplined democracy," and added that a detailed road map has been outlined to try to achieve that goal.

"The international community can best help Myanmar by showing greater understanding. They can begin by refraining from measures which would result in adding fuel to the fire."

He also warned against "neo-colonialist attempts" to undermine the country, which he said can only result "in conflict and untold sufferings" for the people of Myanmar.

Too often, the Foreign Minister, certain countries conduct media campaigns against a targeted State, "spread disinformation that the country concerned is committing gross human rights violations," portray the campaign as a fight for democracy and then impose sanctions and provide material support to create unrest in the country.

"I would like to stress that economic sanctions are counterproductive and can only delay the path to democracy," he said.
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

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