At U.N., U.S. Scores Victory Against Burma

By BENNY AVNI, Staff Reporter of the Sun
September 21, 2007

UNITED NATIONS — America and its allies scored a small victory yesterday, as the U.N. Security Council discussed the latest clampdown by the ruling junta in Burma on demonstrators amid widening public dissent. No council action is expected for some time, however. A small group of council members, led by China, has long resisted any discussion of events in Burma. Despite reports of mass arrests and atrocities committed by vigilante groups there, Secretary-General Ban issued only a bland statement, and his envoy to Burma, Ibrahim Gambari, did not appear eager to push the council to discuss the topic.

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Jason Decrow / AP

Laura Bush hosts a roundtable discussion on the 'Democratic Voice of Burma' at U.N. headquarters on Tuesday.

The United Nations' attitude toward the country changed somewhat two weeks ago, when Mr. Ban got a surprise call from the White House. On the other end of the line was first lady Laura Bush, who wanted to talk about the latest human rights violations in Burma.

"Her message was loud and clear," the director of the Washington-based U.S. Campaign for Burma, Aung Din, said, adding that "her message was heard" by Mr. Ban. He said that in addition to Mrs. Bush's call, a letter to Mr. Ban signed by Hollywood figures was also instrumental. "Our first lady, Laura Bush, has taken personal interest," the American ambassador to the United Nations, Zalmay Khalilzad, told reporters yesterday. "We were happy that her effort and the effort of other colleagues here who share our concerns did produce this meeting" of the council.

Although he did not seem eager to do it, Mr. Gambari briefed the Security Council. As 1,000 monks marched yesterday in Rangoon, flanked by thousands more sympathizers who served as human shield from armed government agents, Mr. Gambari described the situation in the Burmese capital as a setback. He expressed concern about the arrests and said he hoped the government would release those detained.

The council did not issue a statement or pass a resolution yesterday, as China, Russia, and South Africa have long opposed any significant action. Mr. Khalilzad indicated that an upcoming visit by Mr. Gambari could help spur council action later on.

"We have urged Mr. Gambari and he plans to visit Burma as soon as possible," Mr. Khalilzad said. "It is our expectation that when he returns, he will re-engage in a meeting with the Security Council. The situation in Burma poses a threat to regional peace and stability."

The latest crisis started last month as the generals who control Burma raised the price of basic necessities in a country where the markets are strictly regulated, spurring street protests. Buddhist monks are highly esteemed in Burma, and when they joined students and dissidents, the protests widened significantly. The military junta reacted by arresting hundreds of the demonstrators. The unrest interfered with a government-initiated process to approve via referendum a new constitution that would enshrine the army's grip over the country. In a briefing with reporters recently, Mr. Gambari expressed hope that the political process would continue, although he added that it should be opened up to more groups.

Mr. Gambari traveled to Burma earlier this year, where the junta leaders allowed him to visit the imprisoned opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and where he also met with "civil society" leaders — heads of government-backed vigilante groups that have recently been allowed to attack demonstrators.

"He has to walk a tightrope," a Gambari aide who asked not to be identified said. The aide explained that Mr. Gambari avoids harsh criticism so that he can maintain "an open line of communication" with the Burmese government.

At U.N., U.S. Scores Victory Against Burma

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