With hundreds of thousands of suffering people waiting for food, shelter and medicine, the Burmese junta continues to play cat and mouse with the international relief agencies. Thousands of lives could be saved if General Than Shwe really does what he promised to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon when the two met in mid-May. Although visas for UN-related relief officials were given, others faced delays. Journalists are unable to gain access to Burma. There are no reports from and no cameras allowed inside the affected areas. So, the outside world does not know what is going on, except from the government-run media and word from international relief officials passing through Bangkok.
After Cyclone Nargis ripped through the Irrawaddy Delta, the US, UK and France dispatched warships loaded with food, water and makeshift shelters to help the victims. But the junta leaders stopped them from coming too close to land. So the French ships had to dump the supplies in Phuket for later trans-shipment into Burma. The UK also decided to withdraw its ships, which were in position to provide for the most needy victims in the area. The US finally decided to move its ships away, knowing full well that more lives could be saved. Already, several Western countries are commenting that the junta leaders are guilty of criminal neglect.
The US ships have the capacity to deliver huge amounts of emergency relief materials, at least 800 tonnes per day, which far exceeds the junta's own capacity. The US vessels are well-equipped with helicopters that can carry food and water to inaccessible areas. But the regime fears that these military vehicles would be used to dislodge them from power. How can you overthrow a government with helicopters flying around with food supplies ready to be dropped?
Even Asean is annoyed by Burma's behaviour. Malaysia is adamant that more cooperation from Rangoon is needed. Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak urged Burma to allow military helicopters from Asean to get in to help with the relief effort. So far, there has not been any answer. The 200-member Asean Assessment Team, along with international experts, is carrying out a much-needed assessment in Labutta and Pyapon that will be a basis for future recovery efforts.
If Burma continues to drag its feet, the UN Security Council must take up the issue and work out ways to save thousands of Burmese lives. A resolution that enables air drops should be considered. It is unfortunate that the responsibility to protect, which the UN agreed in 2005 as one of the principles governing international relations in the 21st century, does not explicitly include the effects of disasters. But the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis and the junta's heartless reaction should be a case study for further action or amendment to the principle. Otherwise, every time there is a crisis, no action can be taken.
Gen Than Shwe knows how to take advantage of the UN and Asean. So far, the general has been able to play the two leading organisations against each other. Of late, representatives from the UN and Asean have been working in tandem to ensure there is no misunderstanding. In press conferences, foreign relief workers have complained that in the weeks to come an operational quagmire will start and the Burmese people pay the price. Asean needs to push Burma for more access. As a regional organisation, Asean has already served as a facilitator that has won some concessions from Burma. But that is not enough to save lives. Asean has a responsibility to see to it that its rogue member cooperates fully, without discrimination. The grouping has to back its secretary-general Surin and his work with a full mandate.
The next few months will be decisive for the future of Burma and Asean. Any delay will further jeopardise the rescue operation and will destroy the goodwill that Asean needs.