Embassy Activities (2009)
Envoy Sees “An Opportunity for Progress in Burma”
Deputy Assistant Secretary Scot Marciel spoke to a diverse audience of activists, academics, diplomats and journalists at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Political Science about his exploratory mission to Burma with Assistant Secretary Kurt Campbell. Mr. Marciel, who is also U.S. Ambassador to ASEAN, said that the purpose of the two-day trip to Burma was to explain to key stake holders inside the country the results of the U.S. policy review on Burma. While the U.S. approach to Burma may have changed, the goals have not and that is to see a stable, democratic Burma that respects human rights. To that end, political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, must be released.
When asked about next year’s election, Mr.Marciel said: “The election could be an opportunity, but it must be done right.” He added that “the election process must be inclusive.” He stressed that there must be a dialogue between the government of Burma and all political parties and ethnic groups. “How can there be a credible election without dialogue?”
He stressed that the U.S. was prepared to move forward and to take steps to improve the relationship between the two countries. But the government of Burma must first make genuine and concrete efforts at reform. Mr. Marciel ended on a note of caution; he did not expect one trip to solve what so many people have tried to do over so many years.