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SCMP-Officers 'held for trying to m



South China Morning Post

Monday  September 14  1998

Officers 'held for trying to meet dissident' 



WILLIAM BARNES in Bangkok 
Fifteen military officers have been arrested in Burma for trying to meet
opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, according to opposition sources in
Bangkok.



The officers - seven colonels from the army, three majors from the navy and
five colonels from the air force - were arrested just over a week ago,
according to the All Burma Students Democratic Front.



"We know that these officers were planning to discuss the political
situation with Aung San Suu Kyi and their actions show a growing desire by
soldiers and officers alike for genuine political reform in Burma," said
Moe Thee Zun, the Front's vice-chairman.



Such a move by members of the close-knit military would be an unheard of
signal of dissent within an organisation that praises and rewards loyalty
above all other qualities.



The ruling junta, the State Peace and Development Council, has consistently
refused to even allow the hugely popular Ms Aung San Suu Kyi to attend
political negotiations for fear of boosting her power.



But some observers have noted that there are signs middle-ranking and
junior officers are increasingly dissatisfied with the state of the armed
forces as the economy continues to spiral downwards.



"We praise these 15 officers who have the courage to stand up for their
beliefs and hope that many other members of the armed forces will now step
forward and show their desire for change and restore the tainted image of
Burma's military," Mr Moe Thee Zun said.



Ms Aung San Suu Kyi has repeatedly reminded the army that her father - the
independence hero Aung San - was its first commander. She says the army has
a duty to help the ordinary people.



Dozens of riot police were deployed around the Rangoon headquarters of Ms
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy yesterday, witnesses said.