The briefer urges ASEAN and its dialogue partners to throw their weight behind a genuine reform process that is based on tripartite cooperation between the military regime, the National League for Democracy, and ethnic groups. Such a process, outlined in the NLD’s February 2006 proposal for a power-sharing transition, will provide durable solutions for Burma’s troubles which have also affected the region.

For years, the Burmese junta has staved off international pressure by claiming that it is implementing a roadmap to democracy. In fact, the Burmese regime’s unilateral and illegitimate roadmap has only resulted in disaster for the people of Burma.

More people are dying as a result of military attacks by the regime. In the past year 76,000 people were displaced. 25,000 men, women and children face imminent starvation because SPDC Army troops are land-mining rice-fields in Eastern Burma. Meanwhile, economic mismanagement and rampant corruption have worsened. The sudden increase of fuel prices by up to 500% in August has driven a possible 50% of the population below the poverty line.