Bob Carr (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

The point had been reached where the government judged that lifting sanctions was the best way to promote further progress. It was the strong advice of our ambassador that constructive, responsible engagement is more likely to help Myanmar with its political, economic and social development plans. Indeed, Aung San Suu Kyi said to me that she believed the country must find an impetus within itself to proceed with reform, rather than relying on coercion from outside.

Responsible engagement will enable us to work more closely with the government to raise health and education standards. Engagement through exposure to international standards and best practice will also help improve accountability and transparency. In this context we are able to increase our aid spending. We could not have done that if the country had been mired in an unaccountable military dictatorship. (Time expired)