Views

• Daw Aung San Suu Kyi • Dr.Sein Win • others Printable Version

Dr.Sein Win's letter to The Washington Post

On behalf of the citizens of Burma, including those of us who have been forced into exile by the brutal military regime, thank you for your strong, well informed support of our cause.

As Prime Minister of the government-in-exile of Burma, the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, I wish to reiterate our leader's entreaty to the international community to take action that will bring about change in Burma. I am, of course, referring to the message, "Why Burma Must Change," by my cousin, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, which appeared in the Washington Post on July 16.

The situation in Burma is such that we urgently need to address problems that are threatening the viability of our country. A process to resolve national problems however will not be successful without the participation of all stakeholders in the country. The generals must come to the negotiating table to start the dialogue process sought by the democracy movement and the non-Burman ethnic forces. The international community should provide help in that direction beyond business-as-usual efforts, which are symbolic or provide symptomatic relief at best.

There are presently two underlying political currents in Burma. That advocated by the democracy movement strives to initiate dialogue with the generals to resolve the national crisis and to establish a democratic precedent in Burma by resolving political disputes peacefully. By contrast, that advocated by the junta seeks to impose "disciplined democracy" under military guidance and to bring an end to genuine democratic aspirations. Of the two opposing currents, the one championed by the junta is fast losing ground while that of the democracy movement is steadily gaining strength.

Such advances are the result of concerted programs of action that are committed to bringing democracy to Burma. The movement at home, headed by the National League for Democracy, has for 10 years succeeded in keeping democratic hopes alive despite the junta's brutal and systematic campaign to annihilate political dissent. The movement abroad, fortified by the support of the international community, has succeeded in making the generals know that Burma's integration into the global community requires no alternative but respecting the will of people and entering negotiations with the NLD.

Let me emphasize again that the international community serves a critical role in restoring democracy to Burma. Pursuing sanctions, boycotts, and other forms of pressure to block the junta's dictatorial ambitions can simultaneously promote dialogue as a lasting means of resolving the nation's political disputes.

The success of these ongoing efforts to bring democracy to Burma is reflected in the gains that have already been realized. Over one thousand members of parliaments from 83 countries have joined in the call on the junta for a dialogue. The generals have retreated from their previous hard-line position and grudgingly acknowledged the need for dialogue. Moreover, the generals have proven unable to slow the continual decline of the national economy and have felt compelled to initiate shaky alliances with various drug lords.

At this critical juncture, a concerted and steadfast program of action by the international community is vitally needed. International mediation efforts under the UN mechanism must take place and all members of the United Nations particularly those that have, in the past, been noncommittal should join in the endeavor to bring democracy to Burma.