Peace and amnesty: dialogue between Aung San Suu Kyi and Burmese government continues
by Yaung Ni Oo
Third meeting between opposition leaders and Labour Minister Aung Kyi. Talks judged "satisfactory” and included protection of the Irrawaddy and national stability. Burmese political experts consider the recent political developments in Burmese politics "positive", freed of the influence of General Than Shwe.
Yangon (AsiaNews) - A possible amnesty for (political) prisoners and a permanent cease-fire with armed ethnic groups. These just some of the issues discussed during a meeting yesterday between the Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and Labour Minister Aung Kyi, at Sane Lae Kan Thar, a government building in Yangon. Lasting about 77 minutes, it is the third official meeting between the Nobel Laureate and the senior official, and come after a face to face meeting with the president Thein Sein in recent weeks. Analysts judge the political developments of recent weeks “positive", which could lead to a "real change" in Myanmar.
In an official statement released after the meeting, both sides expressed "satisfaction" with the outcome of the meeting which also discussed joint cooperation in protecting the Irrawaddy River, collaboration for the stability of the nation, and the reaffirmation the principle of superiority of law and order. The leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD) and the Minister have also brought forward a new round of talks in the near future. Aung San Suu Kyi, 66, also welcomed the decision of President Thein Sein, who ordered the suspension of work on the construction of the dam on the Irrawaddy River (see AsiaNews 29/09/2011 Burmese President stops construction of Myitsone dam). "It is very important - said NLD leader - that [the government] hears the voice of the people. This is the role that every government has to fulfil. The Government must work to resolve issues of concern among the people. "
Burmese policy experts, interviewed by AsiaNews, judge the meetings "positive", for "positive results and a real change for the whole country." In the last two decades in Myanmar, power has remained firmly in the hands of the military dictatorship. Now the new civilian government, appointed by the Parliament in recent months, despite being backed by the army and formed by many ex-officers, seems more oriented to concede some openings - albeit cautiously - to the opposition.
According to the source, an "institutional role in the short term" for Aung San Suu Kyi is unlikely, but "her entry into the country's political life is inevitable "and "desirable as soon as possible." People seem ready to "trust" the new government, which appears to have freed itself - according to unofficial rumours - from the influence of General Than Shwe, father and master of Myanmar for the past 20 years. "According to some - adds an official, on condition of anonymity - it seems that Than Shwe has problems of personal safety."
The process towards the full democratization of the country may still be far off, but "the journey in the right direction" has already begun.
In an official statement released after the meeting, both sides expressed "satisfaction" with the outcome of the meeting which also discussed joint cooperation in protecting the Irrawaddy River, collaboration for the stability of the nation, and the reaffirmation the principle of superiority of law and order. The leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD) and the Minister have also brought forward a new round of talks in the near future. Aung San Suu Kyi, 66, also welcomed the decision of President Thein Sein, who ordered the suspension of work on the construction of the dam on the Irrawaddy River (see AsiaNews 29/09/2011 Burmese President stops construction of Myitsone dam). "It is very important - said NLD leader - that [the government] hears the voice of the people. This is the role that every government has to fulfil. The Government must work to resolve issues of concern among the people. "
Burmese policy experts, interviewed by AsiaNews, judge the meetings "positive", for "positive results and a real change for the whole country." In the last two decades in Myanmar, power has remained firmly in the hands of the military dictatorship. Now the new civilian government, appointed by the Parliament in recent months, despite being backed by the army and formed by many ex-officers, seems more oriented to concede some openings - albeit cautiously - to the opposition.
According to the source, an "institutional role in the short term" for Aung San Suu Kyi is unlikely, but "her entry into the country's political life is inevitable "and "desirable as soon as possible." People seem ready to "trust" the new government, which appears to have freed itself - according to unofficial rumours - from the influence of General Than Shwe, father and master of Myanmar for the past 20 years. "According to some - adds an official, on condition of anonymity - it seems that Than Shwe has problems of personal safety."
The process towards the full democratization of the country may still be far off, but "the journey in the right direction" has already begun.
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Aung San Suu Kyi meets junta official
25/10/2007
25/10/2007
