Posted by Kyaw Myaing on 12/1/2002, 3:38 pm Please find below the statement given by Ambassador U Linn Myaing (Myanmar Ambssador to the United States of America) at the School of Advanced International Studies - SAIS; Johns Hopkins Univerisity) on 23 November 2002. {{ Reconciliation in Myanmar and the Crises of Change Panel VII: The Road Ahead -Compromise, Conciliation or Confrontation? Presentation by H.E. U Linn Myaing, Ambassador Embassy of Myanmar, Washington In the present case, I am sure that some consensus has been reached that So the answer to the question in "The Road Ahead: Compromise, Conciliation or We need to take lessons from our history which has shown that only if there is Not that long ago, Myanmar suffered through months of riots, looting, social No one in Myanmar wishes to go through such ordeals again. We are therefore, To that end, many positive developments have been achieved in the country in - The armed insurrection which I have mentioned and which was born together - The confrontation that existed between the Government and the NLD for over 10 - Over 800 detainees and prisoners have been released during the past months in - Counter narcotics efforts of the Government and the local populace is Myanmar is a nation where 135 national races have lived together for so many Mindful of the negative consequences of ill prepared transitions, firm (continued)
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Dear friends and fellow Patriots,
As this conference is about to end, I think we can all agree that a lot of
ground regarding the situation in Myanmar has been covered. Although such
conferences never attempt to come to any conclusions, the discussions often
lead to some understanding, if not agreement of many aspects.
Myanmar is moving ahead in transforming itself into a multiparty democracy and
market economy. Since the establishment of a peaceful, modern and developed
democratic society is the aspiration of the people of Myanmar I could say that
the goal has clearly been defined. At the same time, the ways and means to
achieve that goal are also very clear to us. We will work out amongst ourselves
a home grown political settlement, at a pace that will serve the best interests
of all residing in the Union. This intention is recognized and supported by the
United Nations also.
Confrontation" is very simple. We will proceed ahead in a conciliatory manner
with all parties involved within the country any also with the international
community. It is definitely not the intention of the Government to take a
confrontational approach in solving issues. We know that such a course of
action cannot bring about the positive results that we hope for.
unity amongst ourselves can the country be strong and unified and the people
prosper. Disunity leads to weakness, chaos and poor quality of life for the
people. The golden eras in our history, established by King Anawrahta, King
Bayintnaung and King Alaungpaya came about because the country was able to
unify under these strong kings and draw strength from its unity. In the late
19th century not only national disunity but court intrigues left the country in
a weak position which was then exploited by the colonizers, resulting in the
loss of our kingdom and independence.
anarchy, and even mob inspired beheadings and executions before law and order
could finally be restored. The country was brought to the brink of collapse.
But that was not the first time within recent history that the country was
threatened from within. The onset of independence brought about widespread
insurrections which destabilized the whole of the country, leaving at one time,
only the capital as securely under Government rule. Although not as dire, we
continued to experience instability as armed insurgencies kept on erupting
against the central Government for over 40 years under various political
systems.
taking the issue of unity and political stability most seriously as the nation
evolves steadily towards the goal of a stable multiparty democratic system.
the recent past, not only due to the conciliatory stand that the Government has
taken, but also because of the reliance that it places on its own people and
resources as well as the understanding shown by relevant parties. To cite a few
important examples:
with our independence way back in 1948, has practically come to an end, except
in a few border areas, because of the magnanimity shown by the Government
towards the armed groups. These groups have found out for themselves the
futility of bearing arms against the Government if they really wished to better
their lives and those of the people they want to represent. Working through
understanding and cooperation has definitely been a more painless and
successful way of achieving their aims.
years again ceased because of understanding and cooperation rather than
confrontation, leading to an improved political situation that no one could
even have dreamt of a few years back.
the spirit of reconciliation and on humanitarian grounds and it has been
pledged that those who are considered as causing no harm to the community nor
threaten the existing peace and stability of the nation will continue to be
released.
producing significant results with the decline in opium production for five
straight years. The production of opium this year is in fact less than one
quarter of that produced six years earlier. These figures are recognized by
both the United Nations and the United States and all of it has been achieved
with practically no assistance from outside.
centuries. And now that the Union spirit of Myanmar has been rekindled, it has
enabled the Government to embark on the next step of the national
reconciliation process. As contacts and meetings between leaders of the
Government and the NLD party has proceeded, so has the political climate seen a
steady improvement. We reached another milestone in our national reconciliation
process on May 6, 2002 when the authorities pledged to allow the citizens of
Myanmar to participate freely in the political process, while giving priority
to national unity, peace and stability of the country. As a consequence, all
restrictions on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi were lifted on the same day and she has
since been traveling freely in the country and carrying on with her party
duties. She has also been meeting with relevant authorities many times and all
this has in turn contributed to a better state of affairs in the political
arena.
foundations are being laid down in orderly and measured steps. A level playing
field is gradually being established for the benefit of all parties. The
national reconciliation process continues to evolve positively and in a way
that corresponds with the spirit of a home grown process. We believe that the
pace of change can only be determined by the people of Myanmar.
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