ASEAN to keep engaging Myanmar, sanctions won't work: George Yeo
By Dominique Loh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 22 October 2007 2144 hrs

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SINGAPORE: ASEAN will continue to pursue diplomatic channels in trying to resolve the Myanmar issue, said Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo in Parliament on Monday.

Mr Yeo said that Singapore's priority is to support the efforts of UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari, who is playing a critical role as a catalyst as he has gained the trust of Myanmar's military rulers and pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Mr Yeo was addressing concerns of MPs who had filed 12 questions on Myanmar at Monday's sitting.

At least 13 people were killed and more than 3,000 arrested after Myanmar military rulers last month began a crackdown on anti-government protests led by Buddhist monks.

The crackdown sparked global outrage after the violence was broadcast worldwide.

Mr Yeo said that the impasse could not go on forever. There has to be genuine dialogue between Myanmar's military rulers and those seeking democracy.

Mr Yeo said ASEAN also believes it is not possible for Myanmar to go back to the status quo.

He also stressed that ASEAN is not about to revoke Myanmar's membership in the grouping. While it is a "tempting and emotionally-justified" position to take, isolating Myanmar would not solve the issue, said Mr Yeo.

He said: "Is that in our interest for Myanmar to be Balkanized? It cannot be, so we've decided to bite our tongue and to keep Myanmar in the family because that serves a long-term strategic self interest best.

"Myanmar may well resent the fact that we have every intention in ASEAN to discuss their domestic affairs at our meeting, they too know it's better for them to remain in ASEAN and face the family than to be left alone outside."

While Western nations have imposed economic sanctions against Myanmar, Mr Yeo said such measures may make reconciliation efforts more difficult.

Singapore also has limited economic links with Myanmar.

In 2005, direct investments totalled some S$742 million.

Myanmar is also Singapore's 50th largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching some S$1 billion last year, or roughly 0.1 percent of Singapore's overall total trade.

As for military links, Singapore has few defence interactions with Myanmar. However, Singapore does maintain defence links, mainly through multi-lateral events.

As for arms sale to Myanmar, Mr Yeo said it is not a policy to divulge such figures but the amount is not substantial. He assured the House that Singapore does not sell arms that can harm civilians.

Addressing concerns about money remitted in and out of Singapore, Mr Yeo said that the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) operates on a strict regime against money laundering, just like any other financial centre. There are strict procedures that banks in Singapore have to adhere to.

The Myanmar issue will also be discussed at upcoming summits, namely the ASEAN summit in Singapore in November, the East Asian summit, as well as one between ASEAN and European leaders on 26 November.

Mr Yeo said that while there is no quick solution in sight, a fresh approach is needed, and everyone must be prepared for long and complicated negotiations. - CNA/ir