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UN fails to condemn sentence on Burma's Suu Kyi
Ed Harris12.08.09
The UN Security Council failed to agree a resolution condemning the sentencing of Burma's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi to another 18 months detention.
Western nations pressed the council but other countries, including Russia and China, which both have extensive trading links with Burma, kept silent.
A Rangoon court yesterday delivered the sentence on the opposition leader and Nobel laureate for breaking the terms of her house arrest. The verdict drew criticism from leaders around the world but China said Burma's judicial sovereignty should be respected. "China hopes all sides in Myanmar [Burma] can push ethnic reconciliation through talks, and gradually realise stability, democracy and development," the foreign ministry said.
China is one of the few nations that stands by Burma's military junta. It has invested heavily in the country's natural resources, especially energy.
Ms Suu Kyi's continued house arrest will ensure she plays no part in next year's general election and the introduction of a new constitution. Her party won the last election, in 1990, but the result was ignored.
Reader views (2)
This is a clear example of the member states that comprise the Security Council putting their own countríes interests first. Surely that is not in the spirit of the UN, or am I being very naive?
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands
What a surprise poor old Gordon banging on about democracy and the lack of it in a foreign land. Meanwhile in the 'land of the free' as well as being a bastion for cheats, asylum seeking fraudsters and the criminal dross us poor oppressed Brits are denied a vote on whether we want to be completely overwhelmed and governed by an unelected bunch of Gordons fellow travelling socialists !!
- Nick Holland, glasgow
