Suu Kyi backs US talks with junta

Imprisoned opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has signalled backing for America's move to engage directly with the military rulers of Myanmar.

The policy shift underscores how the West's regime of sanctions has failed to bring about change in the Southeast Asian country and also how Asian giants such as China are benefiting from Burma's natural resources

Officials revealed that direct engagement had already been under way for several months and that the US expected Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, to name an "interlocutor" soon.

There was broad approval of the US stance yesterday. Nyan Win, a spokesman for Ms Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy, told The Irawaddy website: "The new US approach will bring an improved and more transparent relation between the US and Burma."

Ms Suu Kyi supported the change in approach: "She accepted the idea of engagement by the US administration. She has always espoused engagement, however, [she] suggested that engagement had to be done with both sides - the Government as well as the democratic forces."

Expectations that the US was preparing for greater dialogue were further raised last month after the trial of Ms Suu Kyi on charges that she breached the terms of her house arrest by letting the American John Yettaw stay at her house.

Campaigners for sanctions against the country said they were pleased that the US had recognised that a dual-track approach may have greater traction with the junta. Mark Farmaner, of Burma Campaign UK, said his organisation had always called for high-level engagement that went hand-in-hand with tougher measures.

"We welcome more engagement but it has to be critical engagement. After Cyclone Nargis there was high-level engagement and the junta backed down over letting in aid groups. When there is high-level engagement with the threat of a stick, that is what happens."

While the US and the EU may wish to see democratic change in the country, the shift in policy also reflects other realities.

The West has little direct influence on Burma. China holds greater sway, as do India and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

It is these countries that are reaping the benefits of a close energy relationship with the generals. China, South Korea and India are co-operating on multibillion-pound gas deals but Western companies have been blocked, with the exception of Total and Chevron, which are allowed to continue work under existing contracts.

Earlier this year, when the prospect of lifting sanctions was raised, it was speculated that energy companies would be champing to enter Burma.

"With regards to Myanmar it will not have escaped the attention of Obama and Clinton that the Chinese have dug in deep," an unidentified official with a Western embassy in Bangkok said.

"Burma is now not only a rich source of raw essentials for China, it's become an important geo-strategic client state, giving Beijing access to the Indian Ocean."

- INDEPENDENT