ICG report slammed by expatriates

ICG report slammed by expatriates

The recently released report by Brussels-based International Crisis Group on Burma Army only serves to reveal "a very naive mind-set with regard to the politics of authoritarianism and despotism", according to comments by several Burma activists-in-exile. 

The main "pain in the neck" was a set of suggestions offered by the ICG, led by former Australian foreign minister Gareth Evans, that included, among others: 

To give the generals "effective veto" over some issues such as concerning arrangements with the non-Burmans; 

"Not to demand that the military immediately give up its old administrative positions"; 

To give the military responsibility over anti-narcotics campaigns. 

The paper, Myanmar :The Future of the Armed Forces, also recommends that the international community provide assistance, with the proviso that any monetary or material assistance should be monitored so that they will not be diverted to military campaigns against political forces in the country. 

"(In short) the paper assumes ... the 'carrots only' approach -- will do the trick," wrote Chao Tzang Yawnghwe, noted Shan academic and activist. "(I)ts conviction that the regime is impervious to international pressure and that it will respond positively to the 'carrots only' approach is troubling..." 

"It also means we can forget our calls for our birth rights and our half a century struggle," said Saw Zarkis, Karen representative in Europe. 

To be fair, the paper had also noted the shortfalls of the military, according to Chao Tzang Yawnghwe. "(I)t notes that the military is having a difficult time recruiting enough or suitable personnel, and the majority of battalions are not up to full strength." 

"(It) also states very bluntly ... that many soldiers probably lack commitment to the military government's ideology," wrote Dr Chao Tzang. "It also says, albeit between the lines, the latest restructuring of the military of its command apparatus seems more like moves to make room for former regional commanders, rather than real structuring." 

The ICG paper was released on 27 September.