31.   From bitter experience, most donor governments have been reluctant to adopt a confrontational approach towards the communist authorities, arguing that constructive engagement pays more dividends.

32.   ASEAN and some of its key allies have narrowed their differences over Burma policy and agree that constructive engagement rather than isolation may produce better results.

33.   ASEAN has long maintained a policy of constructive engagement with military-ruled Burma, drawing criticism from western countries and human rights groups who support sanctions against Rangoon.

34.   ASEAN has promoted a policy of constructive engagement with Burma in the belief that close contacts with the military authorities were the best way of bringing about political reforms.

35.   ASEAN nations maintain a policy of constructive engagement with Burma, reasoning that expanded diplomatic and economic ties are the way forward to political reform and democratisation.

36.   ASEAN has adopted a policy of constructive engagement with Burma, despite Western pressure to link ties with human rights.

37.   But the fruits of this constructive engagement for Thailand have turned sour in economic areas.

38.   Constructive engagement aims to bring about democratic reforms in the reclusive country through gradual integration despite Western pressure for a tougher approach.

39.   Thailand is pursuing a policy of constructive engagement in Burma with the view that increased contacts with the junta -- as opposed to isolation -- will best promote change.

40.   The commission also made clear that the EU would not be bullied into abandoning its policy of constructive engagement with Cuba in favour of a US-style blockade.