Reforms in Myanmar/Burma: two years on

Since President Thein Sein took office in March 2011 his quasi-civilian government has pursued an ambitious reform agenda. Critics argue, how-ever that despite the top-down reforms towards democracy, the military retains the power to block further liberalisation under the 2008 Constitution, and would have a vested interest in doing so, should its extensive involvement in key economic activities, such as jade, timber, oil and gas exploitation, and dam construction, be at risk.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: How the EU can support reform in Burma http://www.europeansources.info/record/how-the-eu-can-support-reform-in-burma-2/

ESO: Background information: Press Release: Commissioner Piebalgs to visit Burma/Myanmar to pledge new support for democratic and economic reform http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-commissioner-piebalgs-to-visit-burma-myanmar-to-pledge-new-support-for-democratic-and-economic-reform/

ESO: Background information: Press Release: Foreign Affairs Council, Luxembourg, 21 October 2013 http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-foreign-affairs-council-luxembourg-21-october-2013/

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