Undercutting the UN

Published October 2, 2007 in the International Herald Tribune

Regarding the editorial "The despotism formerly known as Burma" (Sept. 27): The UN has balked in harshly condemning Myanmar's ruling junta. The reason is predictable: China and Russia have refused to endorse any UN resolution.

While your editorial suggests that these two countries exert pressure on the Burmese junta to show restraint, there is no evidence that either Moscow or Beijing sympathize with the protesters. Human rights advocates have long given up on any concrete action from China and Russia in curtailing rights abuses. The influence of Moscow and Beijing is why the UN is so ineffective in promoting human rights worldwide.

Dr. Stan Lai, Spokesperson,
Formosan Association for Public Affairs Europe