Two Burmese opposition groups in exile welcomed a recent peace proposal made by one of Burma’s most popular poets and aimed at ending the country’s years-long conflict among military, ethnic and opposition groups.

Dagon Tayar

In recent interviews with foreign radio broadcasts, Dagon Tayar, the celebrated 85-year-old poet and close acquaintance of the late Gen Aung San, Burma’s independence hero, said that the only way to resolve the political impasse in the best interest of all involved parties is through non-violent means.

Two opposition groups based in neighboring Thailand, the Forum for Democracy in Burma, or FDB, and Democratic Party for a New Society, voiced their support for the poet’s proposal this week and encouraged him to take part in the country’s peace process.        

“Today the country is at a crossroads,” said Dagon Tayar by telephone today, from his home in Shan State. “It’s time to choose a peaceful or violent path.”

“I hope that we will be able to see some change sooner or later if the authorities and opposition both genuinely believe in the idea,” he said.

He also said that he is skeptical of the UN’s efforts in resolving Burma’s conflict. “I think that their [UN] effort is in vain,” he said. “This is our own approach.”

The FDB, in its statement this week, called on other monks and respected individuals to take part in mediating the peace talks.