Reforms 'not implemented efficiently'
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Nay Pyi Taw needs to focus on key priorities: NLD leader
Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi criticised the Thein Sein administration during her visit to Japan for failing to implement reforms efficiently, saying the government needs to sort out its reform priorities.
The new government had been weak with a habit of compromising by a process of negotiation and that should be cultivated in an effort to implement reforms, the chairperson of the National League for Democracy (NLD) said.
All assistance provided to Myanmar needed to reach the places where people actually needed it. For that reason, the Japan’s government should not only discuss aid with the Myanmar government but also with the legislative body and the opposition party, the Nobel laureate said.
“Rule of law needs to be established in order to end conflicts the country faces,” she said.
“I am not a person of supernatural powers in the elimination of conflicts. If I were that person, I would do everything. Therefore, we will have to take time to in addressing different issues,” the NLD chairperson said.
In regard to the question of “whether Bengalis are citizens or not”, Suu Kyi said that it much depended on the provisions of the existing citizenship law.
Suu Kyi visited Japan from April 12 to 19 to seek support from Tokyo for Myanmar’s reform process.
During her trip, she held discussions with Japanese Premier Shinso Abe and Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and asked for assistance to improve political and social matters.
Suu Kyi studied at the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Kyoto University from 1985 to 1986. Her latest visit is the first for 27 years.
Meanwhile, the European Union is set to drop sanctions against Myanmar, diplomats have told The Associated Press.
Two diplomats in Brussels said the EU would drop most sanctions against Myanmar to reward the country reformist government for its progress toward democracy.
The EU diplomats said the decision would be formally taken by the bloc’s 27 foreign ministers when they meet today in Luxembourg.
The sanctions – targeting more than 800 companies and nearly 500 people – were suspended last April for one year after the country’s military rulers had handed over power to a civilian government, which launched democratic reforms.
An embargo on arms and equipment that can be used for internal repression will remain in place.
The diplomats said on Friday the end of sanctions should encourage European firms and development organisations to strengthen their engagement in Myanmar.
They spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of the formal decision this week.
