28. Junta Defiant

The Military Junta in Myanmar said it will not be pressured by UN or others of its violent clampdown on dissenting monks and civilian protestors.

The situation in Myanmar does not pose a security threat to regional or international peace and security. It is purely an internal matter to be dealt with.

The UN Security Council called for a release of all political prisoners and to start negotiations with the opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi who has been in prison for the last 18 years.

This will put Myanmar on the road to democracy and reforms.

Myanmar now faces sanctions. Japan is cancelling grants of about 4.7 million dollars over the fatal shooting of a Japanese journalist. EU have imposed an embargo on the export of wood, gems and metals. US has targetted sanctions against Junta Leaders and President Bush has called for total international pressure on its leaders.

Meanwhile UN envoy, Ibrahim Gambari, who is on 6 nation Asian Tour, is in Malaysia. Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar, said ASEAN could help foster dialogue between Myanmar and UN but would not suspend it from the grouping.

The Military Junta has been in power in Myanmar for the last 45 years and not much economic progress took place in that country.

See full report here.