Erstellt am: 13. 4. 2012 - 15:05 Uhr

Burma: use the carrots, but don't lose the stick!

Reality Check: David Cameron in Burma, North Korea rocket failure, Italy and austerity, a new leader for the World Bank, 8 weeks to Euro 2012

It's more than 60 years since a British Prime Minister set foot in Burma - but just over a week after Aung San Suu Kyi celebrated a remarkable victory for her pro-demoncary NLD party in by-elections, David Cameron finds himself sitting next to President Thein Sein in Rangoon.

The trip is widely being seen as a reward to Burma for the apparently relatively free and fair nature of the elections, but Burma watchers are keen to stress that this was one small by-election, and there is still a very long way to go. There have been many occasions in the past when the regime has appeared to make progress towards a more democratic state, only to take one step forwards and two steps back.

So, with Cameron's visit and talk around the world of sanctions being lifted, is it all too much, too soon? Anna Roberts of the Burma Campaign talks to Hal Rock about the importance of using the "carrots" to encourage and reward change, without throwing away the "stick" of sanctions and isolation.

North Korea rocket failure

The much anticipated and much cricicised rocket launch by North Korea turned out to be more of a damp squib. Joanna Bostock looks at the implications of the failure for the future of the country's relations with the rest of the world.

Italy and austerity

Our Rome correspondent, Josephine McKenna, looks at how austerity is hitting the Italians.

New leader for the World Bank

As the World Bank prepared to choose a new leader, Elizabeth Stuart of Oxfam explains the credentials the new appointee will need to have to gain the confidence and trust of the developing world.

Euro 2012

8 weeks ahead of the kick-off of Euro 2012, Ukraine has plenty of enthusiasm, but is a little lacking in the preparations.

If the country wants to make the most of the event, it will also need to project a positive image of other aspects of the former Soviet state.

Eugene Quinn of Name it Positive Media tells Steve Crilley about the mood ahead of the tournament and how Ukraine and Poland are hoping to use the event to promote a positive image.

FM4 Reality Check

Monday to Friday from 12.00 to 14.00, and after the show via Podcast or fm4.orf.at/realitycheck.