Two news stories hit the Web today regarding the total lack of concern expressed by the Burmese junta when confronted by criticism from supposedly powerful groups.
In story number 1, Eric John, an American Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, met with the Burmese Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Culture, and Information in Beijing. While a Deputy Assistant Secretary of State isn't exactly a foreign policy big leaguer, he's at least triple A, and is the highest ranking US diplomat to meet face-to-face with any Burmese Minister of anything in forever. So, this is big news.
In story number 1, Eric John, an American Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, met with the Burmese Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Culture, and Information in Beijing. While a Deputy Assistant Secretary of State isn't exactly a foreign policy big leaguer, he's at least triple A, and is the highest ranking US diplomat to meet face-to-face with any Burmese Minister of anything in forever. So, this is big news.
According to the State Dept, John spoke "frankly" about the US govt's concern about the Burmese regime and it's activities. The Burmese response? Well, no word on that. One assumes it was along the lines of stone-faced silence, as even the Burmese aren't stupid enough to laugh out loud at an American diplomat.
In story number 2, the International Committee of the Red Cross, which normally does not make any sort of public noise regarding governments' abuses of indigenous populations (the last time they did was during the Rwanda genocide, so they don't do it often at all) has released a public statement blasting the Burmese regime. The Red Cross accuses the Burmese of using forced labor as porters for the military and continued abuse of civilians living along the border with Thailand.
None of this is news, of course. It is remarkable, however, that the Red Cross is saying this publicly. The Red Cross is able to quietly go about its work in some of the worst political environments on the planet. This statement can be taken as an admission the Red Cross sees virtually no hope of the situation in Burma improving on its own.
The response from Pyinmana? The usual silence.
It's frustrating, to say the very least. But, the world has to keep the pressure, such as it is, on these animals.
In story number 2, the International Committee of the Red Cross, which normally does not make any sort of public noise regarding governments' abuses of indigenous populations (the last time they did was during the Rwanda genocide, so they don't do it often at all) has released a public statement blasting the Burmese regime. The Red Cross accuses the Burmese of using forced labor as porters for the military and continued abuse of civilians living along the border with Thailand.
None of this is news, of course. It is remarkable, however, that the Red Cross is saying this publicly. The Red Cross is able to quietly go about its work in some of the worst political environments on the planet. This statement can be taken as an admission the Red Cross sees virtually no hope of the situation in Burma improving on its own.
The response from Pyinmana? The usual silence.
It's frustrating, to say the very least. But, the world has to keep the pressure, such as it is, on these animals.
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