A statement issued by the United Nations suggests the recent visit to Burma by its special envoy, Razali Ismail has had little impact on re-starting talks between the military leadership and the opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.Although the dialogue between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) started nearly six months ago, no official word has been released on the results to date. It would appear that the secrecy surrounding the talks is benefiting only Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, the scheming military intelligence chief. By "playing the Aung San Suu Kyi card", Khin Nyunt is hoping to give the international community the impression that the SPDC is sincere in seeking a resolution to the "problem" of a transition to democracy. The real problem, of course, is that the generals have no intention of giving up power to make way for a democratically elected government. By continuingwith the talks, however, Khin Nyunt is also attempting to build his own separate power base outside the Burmese Army in preparation for the power struggle that will ensue when SPDC Chairman Gen Than Shwe retires from military service, or in the event of former dictator Ne Win?s demise.