Time for Asean to Re

Time for Asean to Re-evaluate Policy on Burma, says Shan Leader 

Following the dramatic daredevil seizure of the Burmese embassy in Bangkok last weekend, a prominent Shan leader has counselled re-evaluation of Asean's long standing policy of constructive engagement, according to S.H.A.N. reporter in Chiangmai. 

Sao Sengsuk a.k.a Khun Kya-nu, former President of the Shan State Progress Party and retired commander-in-chief of the Shan State Army, said on Sunday that the raid on the Burmese embassy was the direct result of the policy of appeasement towards the military regime in Burma, regarded as one of the worst human rights violations in the world. 

"I fear that this is only the beginning of what is going to happen to the Asean countries unless and until they revise their policy towards Burma, particularly to the narco-dictatorship in Rangoon", he said. He added that what he said should not be regarded as a threat, for he did not have an armed group to back him up, even if he wished to, which he did not. 

"What I said was just a simple logical and natural deduction". 

He thought that Asean would need to strengthen up relations with major humanitarian NGOs and work together with them in order to bring peace and harmony in Burma. "They know what's happening there and what needs to be done", said he. 

He also praised M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, for allowing himself to be taken as hostage by the raiders. "I don't think it would have come to such a happy and speedy conclusion if it were somebody else", he said. 

Sao Sengsuk, an exile in Chiangmai, is currently one of the principal advisors of the Shan Democratic Union, the organization of the Shan exiles. 

For further information, please contact Sao Sengsuk, at Tel: 66-53-235 020.