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Burma’s Drug Situation

Canada’s international reputation as a defender of human rights plummeted during the summer of 1999 when Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy’s remarks that he was prepared "to engage with the Burmese" on the crisis of illegal heroin exports from Burma, was widely quoted in Thai and Canadian media.

It became clear he meant Canada would abandon its policy of no contact with the regime, to meet with its members on the issue of drugs.

Mr. Axworthy made his comments in Bangkok at a press conference with Thai Foreign Minister Surin, now chair of ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations), after the post ministerial conference of the ASEAN-Asian Regional Forum July 1999.

But the foreign minister seemed to retreat from this plan soon after he returned to Canada. CFOB told the minister of wide opposition to such a weakening of Canada’s policy.

The military junta has consistently used the drug issue in attempts to gain international support and approbation. However, it is the junta that it responsible for the massive increase in drug production since 1988. Not only is the junta extensively involved in supporting and protecting the drug industry, but senior members of the SPDC are direct beneficiaries. The junta is also protecting some of the worlds’ most wanted drug lords. Outside attempts, in the past, by the US and UN to reduce either failing outright or being twisted into use by the junta.

There can be no success in eliminating Burma’s criminal drug trade until there is a return to democracy. But as long as the international community, including Canada, continues to do business with Burma, thus helping to prop up the regime, so long will democracy in Burma be delayed.