Myanmar

August 2005 | Risk Summary

Myanmar's ruling military junta has decided to skip its turn as chair of ASEAN in 2006. The decision follows strong pressure from the US and EU, who had been threatening not to attend ASEAN meetings if Myanmar had taken over the chair. It also follows unusually strong pressure from inside ASEAN, with a number of countries, including Indonesia and the Philippines, voicing opposition to Myanmar taking the chairmanship, due to the impact it would have had on ASEAN's image and credibility with the outside world. Forcing Myanmar not to take the chair would, however, have been against traditional ASEAN policy

If you would like to subscribe to South East Asia Monitor Vol 1 and gain instant access to this article, please click here to subscribe.

If you would like to take a trial to South East Asia Monitor Vol 1 please click on the trial link below.