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Posted by Kyaw Myaing
138.89.90.79
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
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.
In the present case, I am sure that some consensus has been reached that
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.
So the answer to the question in "The Road Ahead: Compromise, Conciliation or
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.
We need to take lessons from our history which has shown that only if there is
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.
Not that long ago, Myanmar suffered through months of riots, looting, social
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.
No one in Myanmar wishes to go through such ordeals again. We are therefore,
taking the issue of unity and political stability most seriously as the nation
evolves steadily towards the goal of a stable multiparty democratic system.
To that end, many positive developments have been achieved in the country in
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:
- The armed insurrection which I have mentioned and which was born together
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.
- The confrontation that existed between the Government and the NLD for over 10
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.
- Over 800 detainees and prisoners have been released during the past months in
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.
- Counter narcotics efforts of the Government and the local populace is
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.
Myanmar is a nation where 135 national races have lived together for so many
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.
Mindful of the negative consequences of ill prepared transitions, firm
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.
Posted by Kyaw Myaing
138.89.90.79
Here is partII of the statement given by Ambassador U Linn Myaing at SAIS, Johns Hopkins on 23 November 2002.
{{To turn to another facet that plays a part in talking of changes, I have to
mention our relationship with the outside world. Myanmar maintains friendly
relations with all countries in accordance with the 5 principles of peaceful
coexistence whose essence is mutual respect for each otherÂ’s territorial
integrity and sovereignty, and noninterference in each otherÂ’s internal
affairs. These principles of peaceful coexistence remain the major cornerstone
of our foreign policy. Myanmar poses no threat to any country in any way and
tries its best to solve problems amicably.
We have also shown full cooperation with the United Nations as a responsible
member of that organization. The Government has been working together with the
representatives of the Secretary-General, the Human Rights Commission, as well
as organizations such as the ICRC, ILO and UNHCR towards the betterment of the
lives of our people. The Government has been especially appreciative of the UN
Special Envoy Mr. Razali lsmailÂ’s balanced approach, patience and
determination in assisting the ongoing dialogue in the national reconciliation
process.
Unfortunately, there remain countries which think that applying political and
economic pressures is the best means of encouraging a transition to democratic
rule. We have committed ourselves to a democratic society with a market economy
and we are moving ahead at a pace that is most beneficial to us. Therefore such
confrontational efforts can only have a negative impact. They serve only to
hinder the process that we have embarked upon.
The international community can best assist by encouraging the process,
including a reconciliation that should be "home grown". The national
reconciliation and nation building process underway in Myanmar will proceed
smoothly and at a greater pace if the international community give us more time
and space and display understanding, encouragement, and engagement.
There has been a resurgence of national pride here in the United States. The
people of Myanmar have always had great national pride also. We take pride in
our culture, in our character and in our independence. Exerting undue pressure
for change through means such as sanctions and isolation will only result in a
renewed determination to go on by ourselves. We only ask to be allowed the
dignity of working out change and transition in our own way and that our people
not suffer unduly through the misguided efforts of those who are only
determined to see ogres and are blind to actual human faces and lives. There is
after all more than one road to follow to reach the goal and to insist that
there is only one correct way is rather overbearing and dogmatic.
I should like to quote some of the remarks made recently by the Special
Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Professor Pinheiro, who
has recognized and managed to put into a nutshell some of the points that the
international community has long needed to understand:
- "In the delicate juncture in Myanmar, new prospects for reconciliation and
democratization needs to be handled with great care and generosity on the part
of all those who wish the Myanmar people well"
- "I think it is very important that the international community and
international bodies do not wait until the end of the political transition to
become engaged."
- "I know of no democratic transition in history where foreign governments
waited for reforms before engaging with a countryÂ’s peopleÂ’.
We hope that these words of the Special Rapporteur will find resonance with all
those who wish our country well.
In concluding, IÂ’d like to reiterate that Myanmar is determined to pursue a
further transition process with patience, tolerance and magnanimity and that
the confrontational attitudes of all parties will eventually become things of
the past.
Thank you.}}
I invite all friends and patriots to discuss these important issues of achieving national unity and national reconciliation.
Regards,
Kyaw Myaing }}
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