Brown shouldn't waste his breath on the UN over Burma

James Forsyth 8:59am

In The Guardian, Gordon Brown asks the world to focus itself on Burma today as Aung Sui Kyi’s 12th year under house arrest draws to and end. The Prime Minister’s op-ed is full of noble sentiments and fine words but it inadvertently reveals the gap between words and actions when it comes to Burma.

When it comes to describing UN action on Burma this is the best that Brown can come up with:

“The UN security council has, for the first time ever, taken formal action on Burma by issuing a strong statement deploring the regime's actions, calling for an inclusive political process, and expressing strong support for the good offices mission of Ban Ki-Moon's special envoy, Ibrahim Gambari.”

Now, it is not Brown’s fault that the UN’s response has been so weak-willed. The need to get assent from the Chinese, and Russians, for any resolution means that there was never any chance of getting the Security Council to impose meaningful pressure on the junta. But everyone knew this beforehand. Placing any faith in the UN when it comes to Burma is pointless.