A top European Union official says Burma is in danger of becoming what he called a "failed state."
E.U. External Affairs Commissioner Chris Patten told reporters in Jakarta today (Thursday) that Burma has so many problems -- including human rights violations, a poor economy, and illegal drug production -- that it poses a danger to the rest of Asia.
Mr. Patten called on the international community to urge Burma's military government to enact democratic reforms and free pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest.
But he said he was reluctant to call for more sanctions, saying they will only hurt ordinary Burmese citizens.
Information for this report is provided by Reuters and AFP.