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The Nation (21-8-99)



Junta twists logic in 'democratic goals'
BOTH sides in Burma may claim to be using different tactics to ''achieve
democracy'' but the military stretches belief in its professed commitment to
this goal, writes Moe Aye. 
Khin Nyunt, the powerful general in the Burmese ruling junta, revealed his
perspective on democracy in a recent speech. ''A careful and objective study
will reveal that both sides have the same aim -- the emergence of a democratic
country. The difference is only in the tactics to reach this goal,'' the
general told delegates at the opening ceremony of a diplomacy course at the
foreign ministry in Rangoon on Aug 10. 
He was reiterating his claim that the ruling junta wants to establish a
democratic country. It may be right -- although a common goal may be sought,
the tactics followed to achieve it may differ. 
Even among the Burmese exiled groups there are many different opinions and
tactics about how to achieve democracy. Some believe that only the non-violent
way can lead there. Some think that the violent way is much better. Others
claim that both violent and non-violent ways can restore democracy in Burma. 
However, the groups always discuss with each other about how to implement
their
strategy. They work together on the issues they agree on. They work separately
on the issues they do not agree upon. Sometimes they seek advice from Burma
observers, and they do not blame each other for their different ideas and
opinions. 
In addition, among armed ethnic groups also -- except the Wa -- some groups
believe entering the so-called cease-fire agreements with the junta is the
best
way. Some think that entering them means surrender, so they hold their weapons
and continue their armed struggle. However, they respect each other and are
not
fighting each other. It shows that they really have the same goal -- the
emergence of a democratic country