ASEAN aims to promote regional peace and stability through respect for justice and the rule of law and adherence to the principles of the U.N. Charter. Yet it shuts its eyes while extrajudicial killings and violence against women and children take place daily in one of its member countries. There is no law and order at all under Burma's military dictators.
In one of her speeches Aung San Suu Kyi urged the people to work for democracy, but reminded them that democracy requires personal responsibility. "The rule of law means a system that provides security for the country and the people where everybody is equally protected within the framework of the law. But we must try hard to obtain democracy. Remember, nothing is free and nothing is easy. Democracy is not only for your rights but there is also responsibility. Economics and politics are inseparable. A bad political system contributes to a bad economic system."-
Suu Kyi was scheduled to be freed on May 27 after six consecutive years under house arrest. The accusations against her are commonly seen as a pretext for keeping her in detention during elections set for 2010--the conclusion to the junta's roadmap to "disciplined democracy,"- which has been condemned for maintaining military rule.
ASEAN members rarely criticize one another, yet they at least expressed "grave concern"- over Suu Kyi's current trial, adding that "the honor and the credibility of the Burmese regime are at stake."-
The Burmese people feel that the military regime has been using membership in ASEAN as a shield to protect itself from international pressure over its dismal human rights record. Yet ASEAN's prestige has been tarnished because of the military regime's membership.
With such a lawless country as a member, how can ASEAN implement its aims? The group's "constructive engagement"- policy toward the dictators has been a complete failure. To strengthen itself, ASEAN should distance itself from Burma's tyrannical regime. Instead it should support the people of Burma and insist on the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, who is guilty only of pursuing a peaceful and democratic Burma.
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