Powell Urges Thailand, Neighbors to Promote Democratic Change in Burma

[Whoa_Nelly]

Powell Urges Thailand, Neighbors to Promote Democratic Change in Burma

David Gollust
Bangkok
18 Oct 2003, 17:56 UTC


U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell pressed Thailand and its neighbors Saturday to do more to promote democratic change in Burma, starting with the release of detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Mr. Powell held bilateral meetings in Bangkok Saturday in advance of the APEC Pacific rim summit meeting.
The Bush administration has been openly critical of what it considers a passive approach to the political impasse in Burma by members of ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

And Mr. Powell pressed in talks for a second straight day here for ASEAN countries to use all possible means to promote democratic change in Rangoon.

<snip>
"All the nations of the world, especially the nations of ASEAN, should do everything that they can, using all the tools at their disposal to push for democracy in Burma," he said. " And I think, it begins with the release of a leader of the Burmese people, who has been constrained and confined, so that she is able to perform a leading role in moving Burma to democracy."

more...
http://www.voanews.com/article.cfm?objectID=FA13A228-FF7D-4DD2-83B41911B7E19FE4

[cliss]

1. Hm...I'm always suspicious when they

talk about abstract, benevolent concepts like 'democracy'. What about improving democracy right here at home? We've had a lot of our freedoms taken away, in the name of security. We know all about the freedom of the media.

I suspect they must want something, since they are making an issue of it. But what? Do they want to open Burma up for business?

[patdem]

2. As much as I hate this admin...GOOD for Powell...

These people are fascists...and they need to be called to task by ANY an ALL democratic countries!!!

[Armstead]

3. Google Halliburton, Burma, pipeline, lawsuit sometimes

Intsresting what you'll find

[Jack Rabbit]

4. When is Powell going to resign?

How can he serve in the Bush junta and suggest that those elected president by allowed to serve?

[Zhade]

7. Because Powell is also a traitor.

He's been slimy since he appeared as a spokesman for the USG, whitewashing the My Lai massacre.

Powell = decent man is one of the best snow jobs the Republicans have ever pulled.

[madrchsod]

5. freedom !!!

to hire cheaper labor than china!!!

[varun]

6. How come a dictator

..like Musharraf is Powell's best buddy?

Why the double standards?

:eyes:

[0007]

9. Colin will double cross Mushrraf

You can count on it!

[lebkuchen]

8. I'd be happy if we could promote democratic change in the U.S.

There's very little democracy left. Let's try to save what we still have.