"Strongly condemned", "grief concern" and "urged to release all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally" are some of the familiar words we can see and hear from international community when it comes to Burma politics. Whenever Burmese junta detains or arrests activists, what the international community can say is to repeat these words or phrases mentioned earlier.

These words/phrases, and few superficial and ineffective economic sanctions have been used for decades now. But it shows no sign/evidence of success. The reason is clear. Because international community has no or little interest in Burma. Countries like China and Russia whose national interests in Burma are immense, have been and always will be covering Burma.

If EU and US are serious about democratization in Burma, they are many things they can do which potentially bring some positive results.

For example, they can put pressure on China and Russia (not just by statements) but by actions. What I mean by 'actions'refers to boycotting regional conferences such as APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) because China and Russia are also part of it.

Or alternatively, EU and US banks should not do business with banks which hold Burmese military junta officials' assets or Burmese businesspeople who have close connection with the military junta.

I would be naive if I believe that EU and US will actually go this far for Burmese democratization. This is actually sad.

Because developed countries are not willing to fully support democratization across the globe, today, many countries especially developing ones are still under the authoritarian regimes.

The regimes are well aware of this and their faces are now immune to pressures from international community. In order to have real effect, stronger dose of actions are required.