Sticks and carrots

摘要

The United Nations' special envoy to Myanmar, Ibrahim Gambari, toured Asia this week to plead with the country's neighbours to step up the pressure on its military regime. As he did so, the European Union tightened its economic sanctions, banning imports of Burmese timber, gemstones and precious metals. President George Bush talked of further measures on top of those he imposed after last month's brutal crackdown on monk-led pro-democracy protests. Japan cut its aid to Myanmar in protest at the shooting of a Japanese journalist during the violence.rnMr Gambari was sent on tour after last week's statement by the un Security Council "strongly deploring" the crackdown, calling for the release of political prisoners and urging Myanmar's regime to start a real dialogue with Aung San SuurnKyi, the detained pro-democracy leader. Unlike a council resolution, the statement was not binding and, at China's insistence, contained no threat of sanctions. But that the council reached consensus on a fairly strong rebuke was a notable achievement.