Showing 21 - 30 of 105
UN envoy averts possible military coup in Myanmar
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 23/06/2018
» A UN envoy has inadvertently acted as a peacemaker between Myanmar's top civilian leader, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and the army commander, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Tension between the two leaders has been simmering since their confrontation during a top-level security meeting two weeks ago over the government's handling of Rakhine, and the UN's role in the return of thousands of Muslim refugees who have fled to Bangladesh for safety.
Myanmar struggles with its Rakhine conundrum
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 14/06/2018
» In the face of relentless international criticism, Myanmar is struggling to develop a new strategy to cope with the problems of Rakhine, and the need for a reconciliation process. This week the government has been discussing their new approach with the UN secretary-general's newly appointed special envoy for Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener -- a Swiss career diplomat, who also recently served as ambassador to Thailand.
Security Council visit raises spectre of ICC
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 05/05/2018
» The United Nations Security Council's visit to Myanmar earlier this week has raised the spectre of increased international involvement in its refugee crisis, including referring it to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Although the delegation's main priority was seeing firsthand the government's efforts to prepare for the return of the Muslim -- or Rohingya -- refugees from Bangladesh, inevitably it also raised the need to investigate the causes of the mass exodus.
Making sense of Asean's view on Rakhine
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 10/04/2018
» With Singapore as the chair, Asean's every word and move must be meticulously crafted and choreographed. There can't be any loose ends. There is no exception when it comes to the delicate situation in Myanmar's Rakhine State where violent clashes erupted back in October 2016 have forced nearly 700,000 Rohingya Muslims to escape to Bangladesh.
Detention centres stuck in past century
Spectrum, Published on 18/02/2018
» 'Thailand 4.0" is the military government's oft-heard catchphrase, but Thailand's immigration detention system is a relic from a previous century. The need for detention centre reform is not simply humanitarian, but economic, social and political.
Surakiart's Rakhine mission no easy task
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 17/02/2018
» After a dramatically shaky start, Surakiart Sathirathai's international advisory group is getting down to tackle the Herculean task of trying to find practical solutions to Myanmar's tragic inter-communal violence. As the Myanmar government comes under increased criticism and international scrutiny, Mr Surakiart believes he and his team must help Myanmar look forward and produce a comprehensive and sustainable plan to restore peace, harmony and development to the country.
Suu Kyi still holds out hope, says Surakiart
News, Published on 14/02/2018
» Former foreign minister Surakiart Sathirathai, head of the Advisory Board to the Committee for Implementation of the Recommendations on Rakhine State, appointed by Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, discussed the challenges of his new role with NATTAYA CHETCHOTIROS.
Singapore's Asean tests: twists and turns
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 13/02/2018
» Judging from the well-crafted statement on the Asean foreign ministers' retreat in the Lion City last week, Singapore as the current chair of the regional grouping has its work cut out for it.
Surakiart has a tough task
News, Editorial, Published on 05/02/2018
» The Myanmar government continues to dig itself into deeper trouble over the crisis it created with the Rohingya. Worse, it is rapidly creating an atmosphere of belligerence. There seems plenty of means available to discuss and solve the situation via talks with neighbours and the international community. Instead, Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the nation's military have only become more isolated.
Surakiart's key role
News, Postbag, Published on 04/02/2018
» Former foreign minister Surakiart Sathirathai says one of the objectives of the government-appointed advisory board he heads in Myanmar is to narrow the "big gap of international interpretation and domestic interpretation of what happened in Rakhine state".