| Asian, Australian and New Zealand Relations with Myanmar |
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Myanmar and South Korea set for business UPI - 16 May 2012 President Lee Myung-bak arrived back in Seoul from Myanmar with a pocketful of business agreements as well as a pledge for the release of a North Korean prisoner. Lee's trip was hailed as a "landmark" visit by South Korea's news agency Yonhap coming 29 years after the last visit that's remembered for its tragic events. Yonhap also reported that Thein Sein "disavowed any nuclear connection with Pyongyang" and promised to back U.N. Security Council resolutions aimed at ending North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. Lee offered to expand grants and development loans to Myanmar and carry out a string of programs to share South Korea's economic development experience, Yonhap said. The two leaders also agreed to expand cooperation in energy and resources development and infrastructure construction in Myanmar. President Lee in historic visit to Myanmar The Chosun Ilbo - 15 May 2012 President Lee Myung-bak has begun a visit to Burma, the first South Korean leader to do so in 29 years. The last time was President Chun Doo-hwan's trip in 1983 that was marred by a terrorist bombing by North Korean agents that killed 17 South Korean officials.  Myanmar agrees to free Korean defector - The Korea Times Myanmar has agreed to free a North Korean defector detained in the Southeast Asian nation for illegal border crossing, and promised to comply with U.N. Resolution 1874 targeting Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs. Myanmar gave up nuclear programs: President Thein Sein - The Korean Herald Myanmar President Thein Sein said Monday14 May that the country had given up its plan to develop nuclear programs in cooperation with Russia in the mid-2000s. He told visiting Korean President Lee Myung-bak that Russia offered to build two 10 megawatt nuclear reactors for civilian, not military, use. But the country’s military junta did not push the project due to its inability to manage it. Lee meets Daw Aung San Suu Kyi - The Korean Herald  President Lee Myung-bak on Tuesday 15 May met Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in the country’s old capital of Yangon to show appreciation for her decades-long fight for democracy and to ask for her support in strengthening bilateral ties. As a leader of a vibrant democracy which also suffered from decades of military rule, Lee stressed that South Korea will join the international community to support Myanmar’s efforts for reform, democratization and improved human rights. Joint Press Conference with Suu Kyi - The Korea Times "The Republic of Korea is a country that achieved both industrialization and more importantly, democratization together," Lee said during a joint press conference with Suu Kyi in Yangon. "The people of South Korea will pay deep attention so as to help Myanmar.” Suu Kyi agreed with Lee that economic gains should not be made at the expense of freedom. "We want justice and freedom and we want prosperity. Not either of it but all of it together. President Lee understands perfectly that prosperity is no substitute for democracy," she said.
Extract on Myanmar from the Chairman's Statement at the ASEAN Summit Phnom Penh - 3-4 April 2012 Among other points, the Statement noted that: "We welcomed the successful holding of the by-elections in Myanmar on 1st April 2012, which was conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner." "We called for the lifting of all sanctions on Myanmar immediately in order to contribute positively to the democratic process and economic development in that country."
Bangladesh prevails in maritime boundary dispute with Myanmar Business Wire - 14 March 2012 The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea today sustained Bangladesh’s claims to a full 200-mile exclusive economic zone in the Bay of Bengal, and to a substantial share of the outer continental shelf beyond 200 miles. The ruling, by a vote of 21 to 1, brings to a conclusion the case initiated by Bangladesh against Myanmar in December 2009, to resolve a longstanding dispute in regard to the maritime boundary between the two neighboring states in the oil-and-gas rich Bay. Questions on Myanmar in the Singapore Parliament  Singapore MFA Press Release - 14 February 2012 Extracts from the transcript of Minister for Foreign Affairs K (Kasiviswanathan) Shanmugam’s reply: "Singapore welcomes Myanmar's Chairmanship in 2014. ASEAN has never set any specific preconditions or 'progress targets' for any ASEAN Chairmanship. ASEAN has taken the position that Myanmar should be allowed to follow the seven step roadmap it has set for itself. The Chairmanship presents an opportunity for Myanmar to build on its current momentum. As ASEAN Chair, Myanmar will be the external face of ASEAN. It will have to defend not only its own interests and record, but also ASEAN's interests. Myanmar will also have to reassure our external partners that under its Chairmanship, ASEAN would continue to make progress towards an ASEAN Community in 2015. The world will be watching. Given the stakes, I am confident that Myanmar will work hard to make its ASEAN Chairmanship a success. Singapore will offer to work with Myanmar to ensure successful outcomes under its 2014 Chairmanship." "ASEAN Foreign Ministers called for the lifting of sanctions and we were quite unequivocal about it recently. We have always believed that sanctions may not be the best way to deal with the situation in Myanmar. In my recent visit to the United States, I said that publicly as well as with various influential Congressmen and women that I have met. The United States, as members might note, has made a number of reciprocal gestures as well in the context of its dealings with Myanmar. The lifting of sanctions is to be seen in the context not so much of opening of the region as a whole but primarily to be seen in the interests of Myanmar. And in the secondary context, when we do talk about the ASEAN Community in 2015, creating a centre of 600 million people, creating physical and social connectivities, obviously sanctions against any particular member is not the most helpful. So in a number of contexts, we have always indicated that sanctions ought to be lifted. And I think increasingly the response both by the United States and the Europe Union has been positive."
Australia eases Myanmar sanctions  Agence France-Presse - 9 January 2012 Australia has said it would scale back sanctions against Myanmar in recognition of steps taken by the formerly isolated military regime towards democracy and greater regional engagement. Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said Canberra was revising down its sanctions list to remove ex-ministers who had left politics and tourism officials, and members of the new government would "not be listed at this time". "We hope positive developments, such as the increased participation of opposition parties in the political process, the release of around 220 political prisoners and new labour laws that will legalise trade unions will continue," Rudd said in a statement. "In this context we will keep our approach to sanctions under review." Indonesian Foreign Minister meets Suu Kyi in Myanmar  Agence France-Presse - 28 December 2011 Indonesia's foreign minister said on Wednesday that Myanmar was ending 2011 with "less democratic deficit" but cautioned there was more work to be done after meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Marty Natalegawa, whose country held the rotating chair of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, expressed "strong support" for Myanmar's recent reformist moves during a one-day visit to Yangon. "2011 has been a very, very important year for Myanmar and therefore, as a result, a very important year for ASEAN," Natalegawa told reporters after holding talks with Suu Kyi and attending a bilateral meeting with his Myanmar counterpart. Focus: Japan trying to keep up with rapidly changing Myanmar The Mainichi Daily News - 28 December 2011 The decision of Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba to visit Myanmar "reflects Japan's strong interest in playing a major role in breaking Myanmar's doors open to the rest of the world, amid a flurry of diplomatic overtures from many other major countries. Gemba's visit, the first by a Japanese foreign minister since 2002, took place at a time when not only policymakers and business people but even longtime skeptics are starting to be convinced that the pace and scope of change in the long-isolated Southeast Asian country, since Thein Sein formed a nominally civilian government last March, may be real." "Changes are unfolding faster than we and many other countries have predicted," a senior Japanese government official said. "Japan needs to keep up with the speed." Japanese Foreign Minister visits Myanmar, investment agreement planned Agence France-Presse/Kyodo - 25 December 2011  Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba on Sunday left for Myanmar, in the latest high-profile diplomatic trip looking to encourage reforms in the isolated nation. Gemba's visit, the first by a Japanese foreign minister since 2002, comes as Tokyo considers resuming official development aid as part of international efforts to engage Myanmar's new military-backed civilian government. Gemba plans to meet with President Thein Sein and other top officials, and also democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Unlike major Western nations, Japan has maintained trade ties and dialogue with Myanmar and warned that a hardline approach could push Myanmar closer to neighbouring China, its main political supporter and commercial partner. Gemba is expected to propose negotiations on a bilateral investment accord in his meetings with officials.
Thai Prime Minister's visit to Myanmar in focus  Bangkok Post - 19 December 2011 Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is scheduled to leave Bangkok today for Nay Pyi Taw to attend the 4th General Mekong Sub-Region (GMS) Summit. The Thai Government is expected to use the occasion of Ms Yingluck's visit to Myanmar to hold separate meetings with Burmese officials and investors to negotiate transport and energy development projects. Thailand plans to buy natural gas and to invest in the construction of a transport system linking Dawei industrial complex in southern Myanmar with the west of Thailand. Leaders of the six member countries of the GMS are expected to approve a new strategic framework for the GMS, which groups Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and China. At the meeting, three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) will be signed. They comprise the Joint Cooperation in Further Accelerating the Construction of the Information Superhighway and its Applications in the GMS, the Joint Action to Reduce HIV Vulnerability Related to Population Movement, and the Establishment of the GMS Freight Transporters Association. Thaksin behind Thai Prime Minister's visit - Bangkok Post, 20 December 2011 Former Premier Thaksin Shinawatra confirmed yesterday he travelled to Burma last week to help smooth the way for his sister, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, to visit and said the move would benefit Thailand. The meeting today between Ms Yingluck and Burma's pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi is symbolic of democracy and the cordial relations Thailand and Burma have enjoyed, he said. Thaksin told the Bangkok Post in an exclusive interview by phone from Dubai he travelled to Burma last Thursday and visited Burmese President Thein Sein and former president Than Shwe. Thaksin said the meeting of the two political leaders has significant implications and shows two things. First, allowing Ms Yingluck to meet Mrs Suu Kyi means Burma attaches a great deal of importance to Thailand. Second, the world community will also know Thailand has advocated and promoted democracy vigorously and that Burma considers Thailand as its most important neighbour. "Relations between Thailand and Burma have never faded since my time. I never used a stick to deal with Burma like the superpowers did. I always used a carrot to deal with it," Thaksin said. Yingluck visit warms Ties with Burma - Bangkok Post, 21 December 2011 Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her delegation concluded a two-day visit to Burma yesterday with an agreement to broaden the kingdom's bilateral cooperation with Naypyidaw. Before departing for Bangkok last night, she met for half an hour with Aung San Suu Kyi. The meeting was Suu Kyi's first ever audience with a head of a government in the region and another milestone in Burmese politics since her release from house arrest about a year ago. The spokesperson said Ms Yingluck praised Burma for its positive development, especially its national reconciliation and successful truce with many ethnic groups. The Thai prime minister promises to support the work of the Burmese government and hopes its reconciliation policy will be successful. Philippines fully supports Myanmar's chairmanship of ASEAN InterAksyon - 14 November 2011 The Philippines has thrown its full support behind Myanmar’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2014, saying it is “theirs by right” as the issue was already settled as early as the 2006 ASEAN Summit. Despite concerns raised by some dialog partners of the 10-member bloc over the proposed chairmanship, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Erlinda Basilio said Myanmar "is ready” to steer ASEAN. Indonesian Foreign Minister also supports Myanmar chairmanship - Channel News Asia ASEAN leaders pressed to put ethnic conflict and human rights on their agenda AIPMC Press Release - 14 November 2011 The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus calls on ASEAN delegates to the 2011 ASEAN Summit in Bali this week "to urgently address concerns regading democratic reform, ehtrnic conflict and human rights abuses in Myanmar." Indonesian Minister proposes rewarding Myanmar Wall Street Journal - 8 November 2011 Countries should consider rewarding Myanmar for its recent reforms by lowering trade sanctions as well as allowing it to chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said Tuesday......"There has to be some kind of acknowledgement" of the changes in the country, said Mr. Natalegawa, who recently visited Myanmar to meet with its leaders. "The genie is out of the bottle and this should be made irreversible......I feel that Myanmar's chairmanship of Asian in 2014 could create motivation for change for the country to open up and continue the momentum towards change." While ASEAN nations in many cases haven't supported sanctions against Myanmar, Mr. Natalegawa said it is time for countries to rethink whether blocking trade with the country is still necessary. "Change is taking place in Myanmar so perhaps it is time to recalibrate what is a very blunt instrument". Dr Mahatir urges Malaysians: Invest in Myanmar now  Bernama.com - 3 November 2011 Former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has urged Malaysians to invest in Myanmar now, saying if they do not do so now they will probably be left behind investors from other countries. "I see Myanmar is now more relaxed," he told Bernama, adding the country is prepared to bring changes towards a more open society. Dr Mahathir flew to Myanmar's new administrative centre at Nay Pyi Taw this morning to meet Myanmar President Thein Sein at the latter's office. Later he met Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Rangoon, for the first time. Myanmar reforms look irreversible - Natalegawa Reuters - 30 October 2011 Myanmar’s political reforms look “irreversible” and put the country on course to chair Southeast Asia’s regional bloc, Indonesia’s foreign minister said on Sunday. The comments by Marty Natalegawa, whose country holds the rotating chairmanship of the 10-member ASEAN bloc, are among the strongest yet suggesting Myanmar could chair the organization in 2014, a step that would give long-coveted international recognition to one of Asia’s most isolated states. After a three-day visit, Natalegawa also urged the United States and European Union to ease sanctions following Myanmar’s recent reforms, saying the embargoes have done more harm than good in the former British colony also known as Burma. “I wish to believe and I get the sense that they are meant to be irreversible,” Natalegawa said of the reforms. “I did not get any indication that the process will stop.” In a telephone interview with Reuters while in Singapore, in transit between Myanmar and Indonesia, he said Western sanctions missed their target and hurt ordinary people. “For those who have implemented the sanctions for the purpose of making a political point, I think that political point has been made.”
Joint India-Myanmar Statement dated 14 October 2011
For Burma, an ASEAN solution Press Statement - AIPMC's Approach to Myanmar Indonesian Foreign Minister to travel to Myanmar in October Australia-US Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) 2011 Joint Communiqué
AFP report of joint news conference - 16 September 2011 Lao PM Myanmar visit further enhances bilateral friendship and cooperation Burma will test Yingluck's foreign policy agenda New Government needs new policy on Burma The costs, achievements and collateral effects of Australia's financial sanctions Philippines renews call for release of Myanmar's political prisoners Kevin Rudd says Burma must ensure Suu Kyi's safety Australian Foreign Minister meets Suu Kyi Japan to support Myanmar rights, Suu Kyi assured Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd to visit Myanmar next week "This visit comes at a critical juncture in Burma's history and will allow the Australian Government to assess how it can best support reform and economic development.” Australian overseas development assistance to Burma has significantly increased in the past two years - from $29.1 million in 2009-10 to $47.6 million in 2011-12, and is on track to reach $50 million by 2012-13. Press Trust of India - 22 June 2011
A report on the results of the visit to Myanmar by Indian Foreign Minister Krishna. • Foreign Secretary Mme Nirupana Rao meets Suu Kyi • The Hindu Editorial: Drop the pretence on Myanmar • India hedges its bets in Myanmar - Sudha Ramachandran • India looks to reset ties with Myanmar - Myanmar Times • More than Suu Kyi, Myanmar is about many civil wars - Srinath Raghavan Australia and Thailand press Myanmar on human rights record Bangkok Post - 9 May 2011
 Indonesia reasserted that the question of Burma as chair was not urgent and could be discussed at the next Asean summit in October in Bali, sources said. Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said Thailand had no objection to Burma assuming the chair as its November election was a critical turning point. Asean has also stipulated that whenever Burma had a new government, it could resume the chair, he added. However, Burma should also undertake appropriate steps including the release of political prisoners, freer mobility for the people and liberalisation towards democracy, Mr Kasit said. "These components could seal Burma's stronger chairmanship of Asean. It's like a score-card," he said.ASEAN open to Burmese leadership, but democratic reforms still needed
Jakarta Globe - 9 May 2011  Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that Burma was expected to show progress in its move toward democracy so it would not cast the bloc in a negative light. Burma’s 2014 chairmanship will be discussed again at the next regional summit in November. “We hope that Myanmar will continue with the process since it has caught the world’s attention,” the president added. The 2014 chairmanship will come at a critical time for Asean since it will be the last year before the planned single regional community is realized in 2015. Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa said on Thursday that Burma’s readiness to assume the chairmanship “extends beyond practical readiness” and that Indonesian officials would visit Burma to review developments in its new government and the process of becoming a more democratic country.Chair's Statement on the 18th ASEAN Summit in Jakarta 7-8 May 2011 ASEAN Secretariat - 8 May 2011
The following is the full text of Paragraph 123 of the Chair's Statement on Myanmar and the hosting of the 2014 Summit. Myanmar - Paragraph 123 : "We reiterated our support to the steady progress and political developments in Myanmar following the holding of General Elections and the formation of a new parliamentary government in accordance with the Seven-Step Roadmap to Democracy. We considered the proposal of Myanmar to host the ASEAN Summits in 2014, based on its firm commitment to the principles of ASEAN." Comment by Network Myanmar: It is still three years to the 2014 Summit. In the meantime Myanmar has plenty of opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to ASEAN principles. Myanmar and Indonesia call for stronger relations
Myanmar seeking to be Chairman of ASEAN in 2014 Singapore and Myanmar Foreign Ministers meet in Bangkok MCOT Thailand - 23 January 2011
Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya has told Suu Kyi that Thailand has pledged Thai government support for national reconciliation and the development of democracy in Myanmar. In a one-hour meeting Friday, Kasit told Suu Kyi that the Thai government felt that her position as opposition leader who could also represent minority groups in Myanmar could play a significant and positive role. Suu Kyi told Kasit that she is prepared to discuss with military leaders the national reconciliation process, and that compromise could be achieved. She said she would wait until a new government is formed which would enable her to know who is the real power holder in her country before talks could proceed. Note by Network Myanmar: It would appear that Suu Kyi is prepared to recognise and deal with the new administration in Myanmar. Suu Kyi meets Thai Foreign Minister Kasit in Yangon
Associated Press - 21 January 2011 Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya and Suu Kyi have met at a hotel in northern Yangon. Their talks lasted about one hour and were described as "frank and cordial". No details were released. This was the first face-to-face meeting with Suu Kyi by a senior foreign representative. Note by Network Myanmar: It is likely that Kasit offered Suu Kyi Thailand's full support in her attempts to renovate the National League for Democracy and reregister the party, as well as practical assistance for nation-wide social welfare projects which a revitalised NLD might wish to pursue. But he would have urged her to ensure that NLD activities were within the law, since they would otherwise not be tolerated by the new administration. ASEAN leads charge to end Burma boycott "When Burma becomes a democratic society, it is not the duty of the international community to set up a committee to manage the conflict, like in the past. We have to be confident that Burma can resolve its problems by itself," said Mr Kasit at the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, which ends today. Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, who is ASEAN chair this year, said the bloc advocated "an immediate or early removal or easing of sanctions that have been applied against Myanmar by some countries. We believe that the international community needs to respond to recent developments to ensure that economic development in Burma can take place." Mr Kasit said ASEAN would encourage the Burmese government to talk with Ms Suu Kyi to help the national reconciliation effort and would seek to persuade Burma's ethnic minority groups to stop fighting with the junta. ASEAN will ask Indonesia to send a delegation to Burma later this month to meet with the elected government and to observe its development. Renewed registration of Ms Suu Kyi's political party, the National League for Democracy, is among the issues to be raised with the Burmese government, he said.
ASEAN Press Statement - 17 January 2011 ASEAN calls for lifting of sanctions on Myanmar Associated Press - 16 January 2011 Foreign Ministers of ASEAN have called for the lifting of sanctions during their "retreat" on the island of Lombok in Indonesia Reuters report - 16 January 2011 ASEAN Foreign Ministers look at Myanmar The Jakarta Post - 15 January 2011 Indonesian diplomats said at an ASEAN "retreat" in Lombok that the Myanmar issue was nearly resolved as no matter how deficient the process, the country had conducted a general election and Indonesia hoped the issue could be resolved during its chairmanship this year. “ASEAN wants to declare the Myanmar issue settled once and for all this year. But first Myanmar must form a government that is inclusive based on their own constitution, which specifies that anyone can hold a position within the government, including those that did not join the election,” the ministry’s director for ASEAN political and security affairs Ade Padmo Sarwano said yesterday. Indonesia backs Suu Kyi's role in Myanmar political solution Financial Times - 22 November 2010
Amartya Sen, Nobel Peace Prize laureate who teaches economics and philosophy at Harvard University, suggests that more targeted sanctions might help to resolve the Burma problem. Neighbouring countries too have a special responsibility, notably China, India and Thailand. Note by Network Myanmar: Though we have much sympathy with Amartya Sen's general approach, he is quite wrong to suggest that Western countries "do not do what it is entirely within their power to do". Much of what he suggests they should do is already being done - travel bans, arms embargo, sanctions on commodities. Alternatively, what he suggests, notably "financial restrictions", is not technically feasible without a major assault on banking institutions in friendly countries in Asia and the Middle East, as well as on China, Russia and India - three of the "BRIC" countries (in which the fourth is Brazil). He also seems unaware that Myanmar is a net importer of oil and oil products. He alleges that: "Several Western countries have strong business relations with Burma, for example in oil." He might be referring to the Yadana natural gas field in which Total and Chevron have an interest. On oil and financial sanctions, he should have done his homework better. Christian Science Monitor - Why India offers tepid support for Suu Kyi Australia: Statement on Burma Elections Text of Joint Statement between India and Myanmar
Ministry of External Affairs New Delhi - 27 July 2010 At the invitation of the President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the Head of State of the Union of Myanmar, Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, is paying a State Visit to India from July 25- 29, 2010. The Chairman is accompanied by his wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing. Apart from his official engagements in New Delhi, Senior General Than Shwe will also visit places of economic, historical and religious interest. The full text of the Joint Statement may be found at link. Note by Network Myanmar: The British Prime Minister David Cameron arrives in Bangalore today "in a spirit of humility" as part of a two-day visit to India at the head of a strong ministerial and business team. No doubt the Myanmar issue will be briefly discussed during the bilateral talks. Paragraph 37 of the Joint Statement between India and Myanmar touches on the forthcoming elections in Myanmar and reads:
"37. The Myanmar side informed the Indian side about developments in Myanmar including the groundwork for elections scheduled towards the end of the year. The Indian side thanked the Myanmar side for the detailed briefing and emphasized the importance of comprehensively broad-basing the national reconciliation process and democratic changes being introduced in Myanmar."
Thanh Nien - 23 July 2010
The Vietnamese newspaper Thanh Nien examines the prospects for trade and especially investment in Myanmar.
Vietnamese ASEAN 2010 website
The following is an extract on Myanmar from the Chairman's Statement at the 17th ASEAN Regional Forum:
"11. The Ministers noted the briefing by Myanmar on recent political developments in the country, including progress made in the implementation of the Roadmap for democracy and in preparations for the general election to be held in 2010. They reiterated the importance of holding the general election in a free, fair, and inclusive manner which would lay the foundation for the long term stability and prosperity of Myanmar. The Ministers also emphasised the need for Myanmar to continue to work with ASEAN and the United Nations in the process of national reconciliation as well as the economic and social development of Myanmar. They welcomed ASEAN’s readiness to extend their support to Myanmar and reaffirmed their commitment to remain constructively engaged with Myanmar."
Note by Network Myanmar: For an authoritative definition of "free and fair elections", see the 2006 new, expanded edition of the 1994 publication by the Inter-Parliamentary Union "Free and Fair Elections".
Extract on Developments in Myanmar
"68. We were briefed by the Foreign Minister of Myanmar on recent developments and the progress made in the implementation of the Roadmap for national reconciliation and democracy, including the preparations for the general election in Myanmar in 2010 leading to a constitutional government. We underscored the importance of national reconciliation in Myanmar and the holding of the general election in a free, fair, and inclusive manner, thus contributing to Myanmar’s stability and development. We also stressed the need for Myanmar to continue to work with ASEAN and the United Nations in this process."
Note by Network Myanmar: For an authoritative definition of "free and fair elections", see the 2006 new, expanded edition of the 1994 publication by the Inter-Parliamentary Union "Free and Fair Elections".
The Independent - 20 July 2010
Andrew Buncombe reports from New Delhi that the world's largest democracy may have an eye on Myanmar's energy reserves.
Viet Nam News - 14 July 2010
A symposium in Ho Chi Minh City yesterday examined trade and investment prospects in Vietnam. The Vietnamese Ambassador to Myanmar revealed that their Embassy now issues guidelines on how to avoid US and EU financial sanctions.
Note by Network Myanmar: Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Cambodia are increasingly seen by private equity, venture capital and portfolio investors in Western countries as the easier route to investment entry into Myanmar. Chinese companies likewise provide attractive entry vehicles.
Bangkok "The Nation" - 12 July 2010 The newly formed Thai-Myanmar Business Council plans to take a delegation to Myanmar next month to look at investment possibilities in the light industry and manufacturing sectors. China and Singapore are also reportedly increasing their interest in these spheres. Note by Network Myanmar: ASEAN countries have from time to time made it clear that they are reluctant to invest in manufacturing industries in Myanmar while the economic and political situation remains so unpromising, but elections to be held later this year are thought likely to create a better investment climate. Western venture capital is also taking an interest in ASEAN investment in Myanmar through portfolio support to ASEAN companies outside the parameters of EU investment restrictions.
National Bureau of Asian Research, Seattle - July 2010
A perceptive and well-informed study by Jared Bissinger, Research Fellow at the National Bureau of Asian Research, on the motivations, potential solutions and implications of the maritime bundary dispute between Bangladesh and Myanmar, which is a matter of negotiation between the two Parties.
"Today" (Indonesia) - 29 April 2010
Evan A Laksmana, researcher at the Centre for international and strategic studies in Jakarta, comments that Jakarta's approach to the Myanmar issue can be described as a search for a new "middle way": between a full-fledged sanction against the junta or whole-hearted defence of it under the ASEAN banner, between bilateral or multilateral approach, between pushing for change from within or without, and between a government-to-government or a people-to-people engagement. This approach, however, takes time. And when we consider the possible political and security crisis surrounding the upcoming general elections in Myanmar, time may be a luxury that Jakarta cannot afford.
Radio Australia News - 23 April 2010
Australia's prime minister, Kevin Rudd, has called on China to end its links with repressive regimes like Burma and Sudan, saying they do not help secure a stable world order.
People's Daily Online - 4 April 2010
Myanmar and Vietnam have agreed to promote economic cooperation in 12 key sectors, according to a joint statement issued on 4 April 2010 at the end of Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung's three-day visit to Myanmar. The cooperation covers agriculture, industrial crops, fisheries, banking and finance, aviation, telecommunication, oil and gas, mining, electric equipment production, automobile manufacturing and assembling, construction and trade and investment cooperation.
Note by Network Myanmar: The visit reflects the growing rapprochement between Myanmar and Vietnam politicially, economically and financially. Vietnam has the chairmanship of ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) throughout 2010 which is election year in Myanmar. Brunei will assume the chairmanship on 1 January 2011.
MFA Singapore Press Release - 5 March 2010
On relations with Myanmar, Mr Yeo said [paragraphs 20 - 22]:
20. "This will be a critical year for Myanmar. At long last, at long last, elections will be held under a new Constitution that guarantees a continuing strong role for the military in Myanmar politics. The present Government promises that the elections will be 'free and fair'. Critical to its legitimacy will be the spirit of national reconciliation among the many ethnic groups in the country and the participation of the National League of Democracy and other opposition parties. We know there are ongoing discussions between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the generals, and hope that both sides will show flexibility and compromise. Singapore supports the ASEAN position calling for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her participation in the coming elections.
21. "If there is no reconciliation and the elections outcome is not seen as legitimate, especially by Myanmar's neighbours, then ASEAN will have a problem. At the ASEAN Foreign Ministers retreat in Da Nang, we expressed our concerns and our hopes in no uncertain terms to the Myanmar Foreign Minister. 22. "Bilaterally, our relations with Myanmar are good. Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein made his introductory visit to Singapore in March last year and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong visited Myanmar in June '09 at the invitation of Prime Minister Thein Sein, and in Nay Pyi Taw he also met Senior General Than Shwe. Singapore continues to do our part in helping Myanmar build up its capacity. We have provided technical assistance through the Singapore Cooperation Programme and under the Initiative for ASEAN Integration." Radio Australia - 9 February 2010
Despite Australian military sanctions on Rangoon, a navy ship from Burma will be working alongside the Australian navy in a regional navy exercise in the Indian Ocean. Ships from 13 navies across the Asia-Pacific region are currently taking part in the anti-piracy and counter-terrorism exercises, run from Port Blair on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith - 8 February 2010
Mr Smith presents to the Australian Parliament a broad review of Australian policy towards Myanmar and provides detail about their ongoing and increased aid programme.
Comment on New Mandala: "The most significant changes announced in the Ministerial Statement are subtle, but worthy of attention. There has been a revision of how Australia’s development aid can be administered."
Myanmar Times - 4-10 January 2010
Xinhua - 9 January 2010
London Review Blog - 30 December 2009
Joshua Kurlantzick comments that, unlike Burma, which is off-limits to ‘ethical’ travellers, Laos attracts crowds of European backpackers, who go to places like Vang Vieng, a riverside town, to eat banana pancakes and smoke opium. Unlike Burma, Laos gets no high-profile hearings in Congress, policy reviews or presidential statements. Without any external pressure, without a credible opposition party, with a population largely isolated from the outside world and with no obvious splits in the ruling regime, Laos could wind up as the world’s last Communist country, outlasting Cuba, Vietnam, North Korea and even China.
Xinhua - 15 December 2009
A seminar on development cooperation, jointly organized by Myanmar and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), is due to open in Nay Pyi Taw on 15 December. The second seminar of its kind, sponsored by the Myanmar Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development as well as the ESCAP, is to be attended by visiting UN Under Secretary-General and ESCAP Executive Secretary Dr. Noeleen Heyzer and respective Myanmar Ministers Major-General Htay Oo and U Soe Tha as well as officials of the ministries.
Note by Network Myanmar: The emphasis on development cooperation is contrary to the declared policy of the European Union, but increasingly that policy is being disregarded by EU members as unsustainable and inappropriate. ODA is now unostentatiously being provided by individual countries to Myanmar in ways which are transparent, accountable and well monitored.
ESCAP - 21 December 2009
Professor Stiglitz discusses the results of his recent visit to Myanmar.
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The Presidents of Indonesia and Myanmar agreed to strengthen bilateral relations on trade and investment, in the run-up to this weekend’s Asean Summit in Jakarta. Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his counterpart, President Thein Sein, had met for talks at the Presidential Office shortly after Thein Sein’s arrival. 
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