Lift sanctions on Myanmar

4 April 2012 08:05 pm

 This is the time for the West and the United States to come ahead and cement the hope-line that pro-people forces had nursed in them. The best way to do that is to lift sanctions that have come to deface human development, and provided an opportunity for the junta to thrive on international isolation.
Brussels is right as it vowed that it would revisit some of the major sanctions against the poor Southeast Asian country, and the same is required of Washington. With sanctions in place the military junta has been able to convincingly hoodwink public opinion against the world and thus indulge in corrupt practices to sustain itself in power. The buck has always been passed on to the dispossessed people, making them miserably live on for less than a dollar a day.
 This new episode in Burmese history wherein Suu Kyi and her zealous supporters have been able to restore public rule, despite the army reigning supreme for the time being, won't be complete until true reforms and a genuine liberalisation process sets in. Raising the standard of living of the masses is a must to beat parochialism and separatist tendencies.
It goes without saying that sanctions have had a devastating impact on Myanmar's legitimate economic interests, and at the same time dealt a blow on its civil society. With sanctions being lifted, the West and the world at large can gain enough leverage inside Yangon - as aspect that has been missing to a great extent.
While Suu Kyi promises a new era, it should be one of true public representation and credible development. Triumph of ballot should not merely be for documentation purposes. It's time to ease sanctions.
Khaleej Times