International Community Prepares Sanctions, Archbishop Of Myanmar Invites History Study

Myanmar military manning in front of Mandalay Palace (Wikimedia Commons / Adam Jones)

JAKARTA - The Archbishop of Myanmar Cardinal Charles Maung Bo thanked the international community for the attention of the international community regarding the current conditions in Myanmar. However, he also asked the international community to consider the situation in Myanmar if it were to impose sanctions.

This was conveyed in an official message addressed to the people of Myanmar and the international community on Wednesday evening local time.

After a military coup earlier this week, a number of countries are preparing to impose sanctions on Myanmar. For example, the United States said the coup would trigger restrictions on American aid to the country.

Regarding the threat of sanctions, Cardinal Bo reminded the international community that, although he was grateful for their concern, history has painfully demonstrated that, sudden conclusions and judgments are ultimately unfavorable to the Myanmar people.

"Because sanctions and condemnation have not brought results, they have closed the door and ended the dialogue. This tough action has proved a great blessing for the super powers that are eyeing our resources," said Cardinal Bo, launching The Irrawaddy.

What he said refers to what happened in Myanmar in the late 1990s, when international isolation forced the then military regime to become dependent on China.

A series of international restrictions were in place in Myanmar at the time, but the ruling military government did not feel the impact. On the other hand, the people of Myanmar are becoming poorer.

The cardinal urged the international community to face reality, to understand well Myanmar's history and the risk of an economic collapse, which could make millions of people poor.

"Involving actors in reconciliation is the only way," he reminded the international community, "he ordered.