Singapore hopes that the sanctions against Burma fail.
Sorry, pro-democracy Burmese, try protesting again in twenty years
time.
Singapore official dismisses need for Myanmar
sanctions
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Southeast Asian nations should not impose
economic sanctions on Myanmar despite the political upheaval there
because such sanctions are not effective, Singapore's Second
Minister for Finance Tharman Shanmugaratnam said on Tuesday.
A violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Myanmar last
month sparked international outrage, inciting calls for action
among Myanmar's neighbors.
But Shanmugaratnam said that satisfying as they might be, sanctions
would not bring reconciliation.
"We don't think economic sanctions make sense, certainly not at
this point," he said at a press briefing of finance ministers from
key members of ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations.
"We should keep up external pressure, but the evidence so far has
showed that economic sanctions have not worked in Myanmar."
The suppression of the Buddhist monk-led street protests in Myanmar
last month killed 10 people, according to the military junta that
rules Myanmar. Western governments say the toll was probably much
higher.
The second finance minister expressed support for a visit to the
country by U.N. special envoy Ibrahim Gambari next month, aimed at
jump-starting a dialogue between the government and the opposition.
These efforts are a "key strategy," he said.
