The Straits Times Myanmar, multilateralism and the limits of Asean's diplomacy The harsh reality is that there is no appropriate diplomatic tool that can resolve the situation in Myanmar. Asean should take care not to take on actions that are not in its interests or are beyond its capabilities. Protesters rallying against the military coup on July 14 in Yangon. The situation in Myanmar today is not the same as Timor Leste two decades ago, and the writer hopes it will not become like Timor Leste. But he says the echoes of Timor Leste, however faint, should keep us alert to the possibility that others may have agendas that are not in accordance with their eloquent defences of democracy in Myanmar, and Asean should not be either lulled by their praises or goaded by their criticisms, nor mesmerised by our own rhetoric into taking hasty actions we may come to regret.PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE