VIEWPOINT
The Ethnic Initiative
By Min Zin
OCTOBER, 2003 - VOLUME 11 NO.8
(Page 2 of 2)
Committee member Dr Chao-Tzang Yawnghwe says the road map is not only for the junta’s consumption but mainly for governments and activists around the world that wish to see a democratic transition in Burma. "The international community is currently looking for solutions—and for options."
But if internationalization is the best remedy for Burma, then why has the committee rashly decided to undertake this solo effort—without the Lady? Before hastily dismissing her chances to get things moving with Burma’s military rulers, the ethnic committee must carefully consider why she is being marginalized. They must consider how to internationalize Burma’s political negotiations, to make the country’s transition an important global issue. They must consider how to push the generals into an acceptable political solution and continued compliance with the terms of such an agreement.
By broadening the options for Burma’s political negotiations, the ethnic committee’s proposal deserves a sincere welcome. But if it were based on a hasty strategic premise—"that the [military government] will not tolerate any dialogue initiatives from Aung San Suu Kyi/National League for Democracy and the democracy movement (both those inside and in exile)"—the road map could prove an insurmountable detour to navigating Burma’s political future.
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