Question+of+Myanmar


 * Practice Debate Issue**: **Myanmar**

The issue of Myanmar was addressed by the Security Council of the United Nations in 2007. At that time the proposed resolution was defeated by veto votes by both the Russian Federation and by China.

One key argument made by China was that the internal human rights issues of Myanmar did not threaten “regional or international peace and security”.

Read the report below, the actual (operative clauses) of the resolution, and the post-vote comments by the voting members.

Then read the latest report by Reuters new agency, which this week is reporting that there is a large spill-over from Myanmar’s boarders into neighboring country (China) as a result of attacks on the civilian population by the Myanmar army.

This resolution will now be re-debated in light of the circumstance that the human rights issues in Myanmar may now indeed a threat to “regional or international peace and security”.

These instructions are particular to MUN OFS club members.**

The experienced MUNers among you will be called upon to engage in the debate. You must be prepared. This debate must be realistic as a demonstration to the newer MUNers. Key people will be assigned the same countries that took part in the debate on this resolution in 2007. You will be informed if you are one of these.

If you are new to MUN then you do not need to prepare for debate. Just continue on your preparations for the MUNOFS conference. Do attend Thursday’s meeting to observe a live debate in action. This should show you what you will be preparing towards at the conference.

Mr. D. Taylor

(Chinadaily.com.cn /Agencies) Updated: 2007-01-13 11:02
 * China, Russia veto Myanmar resolution**

China and Russia on Friday vetoed a US resolution calling on Myanmar government to stop persecution of opposition groups, killing the measure in the UN Security Council.

The vote was 9-3 in favor, with three abstentions. Two of the negative votes came from permanent members with veto rights.

Both Russia and China, which had not cast a double veto since 1972, made the point the United States needed to listen to their complaints carefully. They argued that human rights problems were not the purview of the Security Council unless they endangered regional or international peace and security, which Myanmar did not.

"I hope some of our partners also learned some lessons in the course of this entire process," Russia's UN ambassador, Vitaly Churkin, said. China's envoy Wang Guangya told reporters the United States acted like it was the only permanent council member.

South Africa also voted "no," while Qatar, Indonesia and Congo Republic abstained. Voting with Washington were Britain, France, Belgium, Italy, Ghana, Peru, Panama and Slovakia.

The US drafted resolution urged Myanmar to release all political prisoners, move toward democracy and stop forced labor.

Myanmar's UN ambassador, Kyaw Tint Swe, said cooperating with the United Nations was the cornerstone of Myanmar's foreign policy.

'"Myanmar must respond to the imperative of restoring democracy and respect for human rights -- that is a matter of principle," Indonesian Ambassador Rezlan Ishar Jenie said. "But it is a matter of principle ... whether this council is the appropriate body to address the problem of Myanmar."

Beijing has used its veto four times in the past, the last time in February 1999 on extending a peacekeeping force in Macedonia because of the Balkan nation's ties with Taiwan. Russia last used its veto in April 2004 on a Cyprus resolution. []
 * The Resolution that was defeated**

The Security Council,

__Recalling__ resolutions 1325 (2000) on Women and Peace and Security, 1612 (2005) on Children and Armed Conflict, and 1265 (1999) and 1296 (2000) on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict, and the statement of its President of 28 November 2006 (S/PRST/2006/48),

__Recalling__ action by the General Assembly to establish the “good offices” mission of the Secretary-General, and in this regard expressing strong support for the continuing efforts of the Secretary-General and his representatives,

__Welcoming__ the visits of the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs to Myanmar in May and November 2006 at the invitation of the Government of Myanmar, and expressing its full support for the requests the Under-Secretary-General made to the Government of Myanmar for release of political prisoners, a more inclusive, transparent and meaningful political process, free and unhindered humanitarian access, the cessation of hostilities in Karen State, and an agreement with the International Labour Organization to address forced labour complaints,

__Welcoming__ the efforts of United Nations agencies engaged in Myanmar, including the Food and Agriculture Organization, the International Organization for Migration, UNAIDS, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNICEF, the United Nations Office of Drug Control, the World Food Programme and the World Health Organization,

__Welcoming__ efforts by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to expedite a peaceful transition to democratic rule, and noting the call for early release of political detainees in Myanmar contained in the Joint Communiqué of the 39th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting of 25 July 2006 and reiterated at the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM VI) in Helsinki in September 2006,

__Expressing__ deep concern at the slow pace of tangible progress in the process towards national reconciliation in Myanmar and at the continuing detention of political prisoners, including the prolonged house arrest of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and emphasizing that an inclusive National Convention offers an opportunity for effective dialogue,

__Deploring__ the continued attacks by members of the Myanmar military in ethnic minority regions on civilians, including women and children, and in particular the attacks on civilians in Karen State that have led to increased numbers of internally displaced people and refugee flows,

__Recalling__ A/Res/61/232 (2006) of the General Assembly, and in this regard expressing deep concern at large-scale human rights violations in Myanmar, as cited in the report of the Special Rapporteur of 21 September 2006, including violence against unarmed civilians by the Myanmar military, unlawful killings, torture, rape, forced labour, the militarization of refugee camps, and the recruitment of child soldiers,

__Expressing__ deep concern that the restrictions by the Government of Myanmar on humanitarian actors contribute to increased hardship for the civilian population, particularly those who are most vulnerable and live in remote and conflict-ridden areas,

__Expressing__ deep concern also at the transnational risks posed by the situation in Myanmar, in particular, HIV/AIDS, Avian Flu, and trafficking in narcotics and people,

__Welcoming__ the establishment of the Three Diseases Fund to tackle the problems of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria,

__Welcoming__ also the progress made by the Government of Myanmar in reducing opium production, and encouraging Government efforts to reduce the production and cross-border shipments of all illicit narcotics, including heroin and methamphetamines,

__Underlining__ the need for tangible progress in the overall situation in Myanmar in order to minimize the risks to peace and security in the region,

1. __Expresses strong support__ for the efforts of the Secretary-General and his representatives to implement his “good offices” mission, and welcomes the continuing efforts of all relevant United Nations agencies in this regard;

2. __Urges__ the Government of Myanmar to respond in a concrete, complete and timely manner to the efforts of the Secretary-General to enable him to fully implement his “good offices” mission;

3. __Calls on__ the Government of Myanmar to cease military attacks against civilians in ethnic minority regions and in particular to put an end to the associated human rights and humanitarian law violations against persons belonging to ethnic nationalities, including widespread rape and other forms of sexual violence carried out by members of the armed forces;

4. __Also calls upon__ the Government of Myanmar to permit international humanitarian organizations to operate without restrictions to address the humanitarian needs of the people of Myanmar;

5. __Further calls on__ the Government of Myanmar to cooperate fully with the International Labour Organization and its representatives in the eradication of forced labour;

6. __Calls on__ the Government of Myanmar to begin without delay a substantive political dialogue, which would lead to a genuine democratic transition, to include all political stakeholders, including representatives of ethnic nationality groups and political leaders;

7. __Also calls on__ the Government of Myanmar to take concrete steps to allow full freedom of expression, association, and movement by unconditionally releasing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners, lifting all constraints on all political leaders and citizens, and allowing the National League for Democracy (NLD) and other political parties to operate freely;

8. __Requests__ that the Secretary-General report to the Council within six months from date of adoption of this resolution on the situation in Myanmar.” []
 * The explanations and concerns of key voting members**

Security Council 5619th Meeting (PM)

SECURITY COUNCIL FAILS TO ADOPT DRAFT RESOLUTION ON MYANMAR, OWING TO NEGATIVE VOTES BY CHINA, RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Vote is 9 in Favour to 3 Against, with 3 Abstentions

The Security Council this afternoon failed to adopt a draft resolution on the situation in Myanmar -- owing to vetoes by China and the Russian Federation -- by which it would have called on Myanmar’s Government to cease military attacks against civilians in ethnic minority regions and begin a substantive political dialogue that would lead to a genuine democratic transition.

The result of the vote on the draft, tabled by the United States and the United Kingdom, was 9 in favour to 3 against (China, Russian Federation, South Africa), with 3 abstentions (Congo, Indonesia, Qatar).

By other provisions of the draft, the Council would have urged the Government to respond in a concrete, complete and timely manner to the Secretary-General’s efforts to fully enable his “good offices” mission. It would have also called on the Government to take concrete steps to allow full freedom of expression, association and movement by unconditionally releasing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners, lifting all constraints on all political leaders and citizens, and allowing the National League for Democracy (NLD) and other political parties to operate freely.

China’s representative, explaining his position before the vote, said he would vote against the draft as the matter was an internal affair of a sovereign State and did not pose a threat to international or regional peace and security. While no one would dispute that Myanmar was faced with a series of grave challenges, similar problems existed in many other countries as well. The Council’s involvement on the issue of Myanmar would not only exceed its mandate, but also hinder discussions by other relevant United Nations agencies.

Noting that the issue of Myanmar was being considered by other United Nations bodies, the representative of the Russian Federation said the substitution of their efforts by the Council would be counterproductive and fail to facilitate the division of labour between the main bodies of the world Organization. Attempts aimed at using the Council to discuss issues outside its purview were unacceptable, he added.

Voicing his regret at the Council’s rejection of the text, the United Kingdom’s representative said that, while the matter of Burma-Myanmar was within the Council’s responsibility, it did not claim the Council’s exclusive interest. All supported the Secretary-General’s good offices to promote political change and wanted to see a better future for the beleaguered people of Burma-Myanmar. The Council’s disagreement, therefore, was one of competence. He urged the Council to continue its consideration of the situation in Burma-Myanmar, which was not an impediment to consideration by any other part of the United Nations family.

The United States representative, expressing deep disappointment at the Council’s failure to adopt the draft resolution, said the text would have been a “strong and urgently needed” statement about the need for change in Burma. Its military regime arbitrarily arrested, tortured, raped and executed its own people; waged war on minorities within its own borders and built itself new cities, while looking the other way as refugee flows increased, narcotics and human trafficking grew; and communicable diseases remained untreated. While the deteriorating humanitarian and political situation in Burma affected, first and foremost, the people of Burma, it also posed risks to peace and security beyond its borders. All Council members needed to use all their influence to press the Burmese regime for change.

Saying his country did not pose a threat to international peace and security, Myanmar’s representative noted that, while there were many issues that demanded the Council’s immediate and undivided attention, his country was “by no stretch of imagination” among them. Myanmar had, in fact, been able to contribute to regional stability by bringing to a virtual end the insurgency that had plagued the country for almost five decades. Of 18 major insurgent groups, 17 had not returned to the legal fold. Had it been adopted, the draft would also have clearly exceeded the Council’s mandate and undermined its authority and legality.

The Council decided to include the item of Myanmar on its agenda last September, with a procedural vote in which no member had the right to veto. The decision was carried by a vote of 10 in favour to 4 against ( China, Congo, Qatar, Russian Federation), with 1 abstention (United Republic of Tanzania), with the intention of considering the matter shortly after 19 September. No such meeting took place during 2006.

Also speaking today were the representatives of South Africa, Indonesia, Qatar, Italy, Congo, Ghana, Belgium, Slovakia, France and Panama. [] Myanmar fighting forces up to 30,000 to flee to China Fri Aug 28, 2009 10:36am EDT (Adds removal of report, paragraph 8; clarifies UN refugee estimates)


 * Conflict erupts between Myanmar and ethnic groups


 * Tens of thousands refugees spill across border


 * China calls on Myanmar to maintain stability

By Chris Buckley

BEIJING, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Fresh fighting has erupted between Myanmar forces and an armed ethnic group in the remote northeast, forcing tens of thousands to flee across the border into China, activists and state media said on Friday.

China called on Myanmar to maintain stability in the border region, even as the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees estimated that between 10,000 and 30,000 civilians had fled the conflict.

"We also urge Myanmar to protect the security and legal rights of Chinese citizens in Myanmar," said the statement by spokeswoman Jiang Yu, on the ministry's website (www.fmprc.gov.cn)

The fighting could raise tension between China and Myanmar, whose military junta looks to Beijing as one of its few diplomatic backers and a crucial source of investment. (For a Q+A on their relationship click on [ID:nSP432912])

Thousands have fled this month from Kokang in Myanmar's Shan State after clashes there, which, according to a U.S.-based rights group, followed the deployment of troops in the area, home to a large number of ethnic Chinese.

The Washington-based U.S. Campaign for Burma, citing information from local journalists in contact with the ethnic groups, said on Friday that armed clashes had taken place for the first time in 20 years, breaking a ceasefire.

Fighting flared on Thursday, "leading residents from the Myanmar side to panic and flood in large numbers into our territory", according to a news website run by the official Yunnan Daily (www.yunnan.cn) in China, bordering Myanmar.

Late Friday evening, the report was removed from the website.

Kokang, where the trouble erupted, is home to many ethnic Chinese and Chinese nationals, many of whom run businesses and trade across the border.

A Chinese man in his 40s, who fled back to the Chinese border town of Nansan after running a grocery in Kokang for over 10 years, told Reuters at least 10 civilians have been killed.

"They were not willing to abandon all they had worked for in Myanmar in the past decade, and refused to flee, and then they were killed," said the man, surnamed Cao.

"I can still hear the thunder of guns today," Cao said, adding that all his property in Myanmar, which he valued at hundreds of thousands of yuan, had been robbed.

Refugees were being steered to seven collection points, the main one holding more than 5,000 people, to receive instant noodles, water and temporary housing, a local source said.

"This has been building for a long time. The army has not only increased tensions and caused distress with the ethnic groups, they're straining ties with China," Aung Zaw, editor of the Thai-based Irrawaddy magazine, told Reuters.

"Beijing's biggest concern is stability near the border, and it is not pleased about what's happening now."

He Shengda, an expert on the region at the Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences, said Myanmar's efforts to impose its control on the region risked sparking wider conflict.

"It would be no easy thing for the Myanmar government to rein in local power," He told the Global Times, a Chinese newspaper. "These local militia won't meekly abandon power, and a region that was peaceful may experience turmoil."

The UNHCR has offered its assistance, but has had no response from the Chinese government.

INCREASED SECURITY

The Global Times said China had ordered stronger security along the border to prevent the conflict spilling into Yunnan.

U.S. Campaign for Burma told Reuters that 10 Myanmar police officers fleeing the fighting had accidentally crossed into China, where they were disarmed by the authorities and sent back.

Local reports said the Myanmar army had blocked roads and sporadic clashes were taking place. Reuters could not immediately verify the information and no mention of the clashes was made in Myanmar's state media.

Analysts and activists said the mobilisation of troops was a move by the junta to force ethnic groups to join an army-run border force.

The regime wants the groups to form political parties to contest next year's election, the first in Myanmar in 20 years, but most do not trust the military government and feel they have nothing to gain from entering the process.

"The regime's aim is to disarm and control the ethnic rebels and neutralise their threat before the elections," Aung Zaw added.

The Myanmar Peace and Democracy Front, an alliance of four ethnic groups, and Chinese reports said the flashpoint came when troops attacked a factory used by ethnic groups to repair weapons on the suspicion it was being used to produce drugs.

Activists and Burmese-language radio broadcasts said the situation had been complicated by an attempted coup by a faction of the military arm of the ethnic alliance, which wanted to join the army's border force, under pressure from the Yangon regime. (Additional reporting by Huang Yan, Yu Le and Lucy Hornby in Beijing, Martin Petty in Bangkok, Jonathan Lynn in Geneva and Aung Hla Tun in Yangon; Editing by Nick Macfie) []
 * For further background**

Q+A-China's complex relationship with Myanmar Fri Aug 28, 2009 6:30am EDT By Ben Blanchard

BEIJING, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Fighting between Myanmar forces and an armed ethnic group in the remote northeast has forced 10,000 people to flee across the border to China and may raise tensions between the country's ruling junta and Beijing. [ID:nPEK291010]

China is one of Myanmar's few diplomatic backers, often coming to the rescue when it is subjected to pressure by Western governments over issues such as the imprisonment of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Here are some questions and answers on China's complex relationship with its troublesome southern neighbour.

WHY IS CHINA UNWILLING TO CRITICISE MYANMAR?

China has a longstanding policy of non-interference in other countries' affairs, especially over human rights issues, in part because it does not want the United States and Europe criticising Beijing's own record. [ID:nBKK197002]

Beyond that, China's overriding concern is a stable Myanmar. Drugs and HIV/AIDS pour across the border into the southwestern province of Yunnan and China is desperate to control that flow. Any action that might place unbearable pressure on the generals and force a government collapse could have dire consequences for China. Ethnic minorities in Myanmar, which have in some cases waged long-running insurgencies, could then set up de facto states along the Chinese border and their primary income would likely come from drugs.

China also argues that Myanmar is no threat to international peace and warrants no U.N. Security Council involvement, unlike North Korea and its nuclear programme.

WHAT ABOUT CHINA'S ENERGY AND ECONOMIC TIES WITH MYANMAR?

Energy-hungry China is keen to import gas from Myanmar. A pipeline with annual capacity of 12 billion cubic metres, is expected from 2012 to ship gas to Kunming, capital of Yunnan province. [ID:nPEK42962]

China will also start building an oil pipeline next month through Myanmar to enable it to facilitate crude imports from the Middle East and Africa.

The link would allow Chinese oil tankers to avoid a 1,200 km (750-mile) detour through the congested and strategically vulnerable Malacca Strait.

Overall, China has invested more than $1 billion in Myanmar, primarily in the mining sector, and is the country's fourth largest foreign investor, state media say. Bilateral trade grew more than one-quarter last year to around $2.63 billion.

WHAT ARE CHINA'S BROADER STRATEGIC GOALS?

China has long worried about hostile neighbours, including India, or Japan and South Korea with their U.S. military bases. Having a friendly government in Myanmar is therefore important.

Myanmar gives China important access to the Indian Ocean, not only for exports from landlocked southwestern Chinese provinces, but also potentially for military bases or listening posts. There are no guarantees a democratically-elected civilian government would be as keen for close ties with a China which had previously supported the junta.

And China, with its own history of suppressing home-grown demands for democracy, is hardly going to push Myanmar to grant the kinds of freedoms it regularly denies its own citizens.

The sanctions already imposed on Myanmar by the United States and European Union have in any case had little effect. The government also defied expectations it would implode during violent pro-democracy protests two years ago.

ARE THERE SIGNS CHINA'S PATIENCE IS WEARING THIN?

Very small ones. At a May meeting in Hanoi, Asian and European foreign ministers urged Myanmar to free detainees and lift political restrictions, in a statement unexpected signed by China. [ID:nSP502104]

In 2007, China's Foreign Ministry published an unflattering account of Myanmar's new jungle capital Naypyidaw, expressing surprise that this poor country would consider such an expensive move and not even tell supposed friend Beijing first. (Editing by Ron Popeski and Alex Richardson) []