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REPOSTING : "Give us A Chance" (r)
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A typical Burmese old man is lying in a typical old Burmese style.Nothing
more.
" A brute-honest-lying".
panyoma/syd
Mg Myanmar wrote:
> SOURCE: Myanmar Information - http://www.myanmar.com/
>
> AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS
> Leaders Magazie, Volume 21, Number 2, April, May, June 1998
>
> "Give us A Chance"
>
> The present leaders of Myanmar are men of few words "Deeds and not
> words" is their motto. They are not men who care to woo the
> press/media to suit their own ends nor would they permit themselves
> to be manipulated by members of the media, who in most cases with an
> eye on circulation or ratings, usually prevaricate, exaggerate or
> denigrate. But, the Myanmar leaders do speak on rare occasions, and
> when they do, they are found to be forthright and genuine men who
> care deeply about the country and the people. The first exc.usive
> interview Senior General Than Shwe has ever had with the foreign media
> was given full coverage in the Leaders Magazie, Volume 21, Number 2,
> April, May, June 1998. In this first conversation of the Chairman of
> the State Peace and Development Council H.E. Senior General Than Shwe
> with a member of the foreign press, he explained exactly what was
> taking place in the country and also put the record straight on his
> attitude towards the West.
>
> When Senior General Than Shwe was asked why he had decided to speak
> now he said simply and honestly that:
>
> "In our previous experiences with people from the media, whatever we
> said was usually misinterpreted, and sometimes misinterpretation can
> give rise to misunderstanding. I wanted to clarify these
> misunderstandings. But I personally live a very quiet life, so I don?t
> push myself to talk to the press."
>
> When asked to clatify for the benefit of those in the West who seem
> to be anti-Myanmar, why he thought that it was necessary to have
> security in the nation before democracy and why he subscribed to the
> view that you can?t have people voting if the votes are not honestly
> counted, Senior General Than Shwe said:
>
> "As you are aware, we are vigorously engaged in the national
> reconstruction of the country. We are working for the development and
> peace of our nation. At the same time, we are trying to place our
> country on the path of democracy, and to build a democratic system.
> So, first we have to establish conditions of peace and tranquility,
> and law and order. At the same time as we are trying to establish
> political stability however, we must also build up the economic
> foundation of our nation. So we?re definitely trying to do both."
>
> He then added:
>
> "Of course we believe it?s not natural for the armed forces to assume
> responsibility for the state for a very long time, but you must
> realize that because of the particular circumstances and conditions
> in our country, the armed forces have to assume responsibility for a
> certain period of time."
>
> To the question of whether U.S. sanctions which have hurt business
> investment in Myanmar and the adverse effect of the influence it was
> using on the European nations, was driving Myanmar more toward China,
> Senior General Than Shwe replied at some length that:
>
> "It?s true, the United States has instituted sanctions against our
> nation. But because we have developed a vibrant border trade with our
> neighboring countries of India, China, and Thailand, and because of
> the assistance and support from other countries in the region, the
> impact of the sanctions is not so great."
>
> "Whether the result of these sanctions has an effect on our
> relationship with other countries, I want to say that Myanmar has
> always tried to maintain friendly ties with all countries in the
> world. We have been consistent in this policy throughout our history.
> So, in spite of any sanctions the Unied States has against us, we
> bear no hostility and no antagonism toward the United States."
>
> When again asked if that wasn?t driving Myanmar closer to China, he
> replied:
>
> "No, I wouldn?t say that U.S. sanctions are pushing us toward China.
> We want to continue to maintain good, cordial relations with all
> countries."
>
> "Our country has a lot of natural resources, and we are able to
> utilize them very well to develop our nation?s economy. In addition,
> the countries in our region cooperate well with us, which also helps
> in our economic development. Of course! if we get assistance from
> countries abroad, it will help us develop our nation even more!
> Having international assistance and support will greatly facilitate
> our economic and political endeavors and will also help us build a
> democratic system more quickly by facilitating the handing of state
> power back to the people."
>
> "My genuine desire is to see our country develop and prosper, and to
> see the emergence of a democratic system. It is toward this end that
> we are putting our best efforts. I believe that if instead of
> imposing economic sanctions on our country the world community would
> help us, we could reach this goal within three years."
>
> With regard to questions raised by the West on the completion of the
> constitution and when free elections would be held, Senior General
> Than Shwe had this to say:
>
> "Let me say that we have no intention of prolonging the process
> unnecessarily. If we receive international assistance and support, the
> process of establishing a democratic system in our country will be
> sped up. But if there is a hostile attitude from other countries, the
> process of democratization could be prolonged.
> However, we on our part, have no intention whatsoever to unnecessarily
> prolong this process."
>
> Concerning the unofficial view of the American Government that the
> constitution would be written and elections held only at a time the
> military can win elections, he calmly replied:
>
> "Well, you know, the people will elect whom they like."
>
> Asked whether he would consider a high-level visit to the United
> States and Europe to discuss the World Bank, the sanctions and to
> convince those involved that the sanctions were hurting the people
> and not the Government which would still continue to pursue its
> present course and hold constitutional elections only when the time
> was right, he answered that there were visa constraints, but on
> suggestion that a visa would be no problem if he should travel to
> address the United Nations, as Head of Government he replied that:
>
> "If there is such an oportunity, of course."
>
> The interviewer dealt with the fact that Myanmar situated between
> India and China, could offer the United States a strategic position.
> And then asked if it would not be in the interest of both countries
> if discussions with the United States could be held along these lines.
> The Senior General fielded this query with the remark that:
>
> "It is something to think about. Because of the geographical and
> geopolitical fate of being located between India and China, two very
> big neighbors, we try to maintain good relations with both those
> countries. It would not help us if either China or India had
> unfavorable views toward us. We believe that if there were a change
> of mind in the United States, we could develop cordial relations
> there, too."
>
> Touching upon the econom,y Senior General Than Shwe was next asked if
> Myanmar would welcome investments by a big multinational company as
> was now the practice in developing countries, to come into the
> country to build a major project such as a power plant. The reply was:
>
> "One thing we chose to do after assuming the responsibility of running
> the governement was to introduce an economic policy, and we invited
> foreign investment from abroad. Toward this end, we have set up
> necessary rules and procedures. We have our own regulations and laws
> for the kinds of investments you describe."
>
> When he was asked in which areas he would prefer to have such
> investments Senior General Than Shwe said:
>
> "One sector that comes to mind is hydroelectricity, because, as you
> know, we have resources for 3,000 , 5,000, or even 10,000 megawatts.
> Another potential area is offshore drilling, because we have a lot of
> natural gas resources. There are already companies interested in this
> area."
>
> When asked if there was still room for competition in this area since
> Texaco, Arco and Unocal were already in business, the Senior General
> replying in the affirmative said.
>
> "Yes. These companies are working with us on a joint venture, but we
> believe there is much more potential to be tapped in downstream
> industries, such as gas, fertilizers, and methanol."
>
> On his vision for Myanmar in the coming century and the priorities for
> future nation building Senior General Than Shwe unequivocally stated:
>
> "Our vision is to establish a peaceful, prosperous, modern,
> democratic, and developed state, utilizing the natural resources
> available in our country. We are also a member of the Association of
> Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and are trying to fulfill the vision
> set out for all ASEAN countries in what is called a "Vision 2020"
> statement."
>
> To the question as to which ASEAN country best understood Myanmar the
> reply was:
>
> "Since we have been able to develop very close contacts with the
> leaders of all the ASEAN countries, I would say all of them have a
> good understanding of and very good relations with our country."
>
> As regards the Myanmar leader?sfeelings towards the United States,
> Senior General Than Shwe?s reply reflected his devotion to and
> practice of the tenets of the Buddha?s teachings. He said:
>
> "Let me again reiterate that we have no ill feelings whatsoever toward
> the United States. As you know, I am a soldier, but at the same time,
> I am also a Buddhist. I faithfully try to follow the Buddhist
> teaching, which says one should not entertain antagonistic or hostile
> feelings toward other human beings. So, even though I am a soldier,
> and even though I have to do certain things for the maintenance of
> peace and stability and for the welfare and security of the
> country, I don?t have hostile or antagonistic feelings toward others.
> Although the United States may have some ill feelings toward us, we
> have no ill feelings toward the United States."
>
> Finally, when asked by the interviewer how he could be so quiet and
> calm, the Senior General said:
>
> "Actually, you know, I try to be calm and serene. Even now I am
> thinking that when I retire, I will devote myself to religion. I don't
> have any worldly desires; I just want to live a quiet and peaceful
> life. What I am doing now is because I love my country."
>
> His reply was indeed convincing in its very simplicity and showed the
> depth of his feelings for the country and his people.
> ********************************************
>
> Mg Myanmar
> A Myanmar citizen who loves Myanmar
>
> ********************************************
> -----------------------------------------------
> FREE! The World's Best Email Address @email.com
> Reserve your name now at http://www.email.com
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<FONT SIZE=+1>A typical Burmese old man is lying in a typical old Burmese
style.Nothing more.</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=+1>" A brute-honest-lying".</FONT>
<P><FONT SIZE=+1>panyoma/syd</FONT>
<P>Mg Myanmar wrote:
<BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE>SOURCE: Myanmar Information - <A HREF="http://www.myanmar.com/";>http://www.myanmar.com/</A>
<P>AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS
<BR>Leaders Magazie, Volume 21, Number 2, April, May, June 1998
<P>"Give us A Chance"
<P>The present leaders of Myanmar are men of few words "Deeds and not
<BR>words" is their motto. They are not men who care to woo the
<BR>press/media to suit their own ends nor would they permit themselves
<BR>to be manipulated by members of the media, who in most cases with an
<BR>eye on circulation or ratings, usually prevaricate, exaggerate or
<BR>denigrate. But, the Myanmar leaders do speak on rare occasions, and
<BR>when they do, they are found to be forthright and genuine
men who
<BR>care deeply about the country and the people. The first exc.usive
<BR>interview Senior General Than Shwe has ever had with the foreign media
<BR>was given full coverage in the Leaders Magazie, Volume 21, Number 2,
<BR>April, May, June 1998. In this first conversation of the Chairman of
<BR>the State Peace and Development Council H.E. Senior General Than
Shwe
<BR>with a member of the foreign press, he explained exactly what was
<BR>taking place in the country and also put the record straight on his
<BR>attitude towards the West.
<P>When Senior General Than Shwe was asked why he had decided to speak
<BR>now he said simply and honestly that:
<P>"In our previous experiences with people from the media, whatever we
<BR>said was usually misinterpreted, and sometimes misinterpretation can
<BR>give rise to misunderstanding. I wanted to clarify these
<BR>misunderstandings. But I personally live a very quiet life, so I don?t
<BR>push myself to talk to the press."
<P>When asked to clatify for the benefit of those in the West who seem
<BR>to be anti-Myanmar, why he thought that it was necessary to have
<BR>security in the nation before democracy and why he subscribed to the
<BR>view that you can?t have people voting if the votes are not honestly
<BR>counted, Senior General Than Shwe said:
<P>"As you are aware, we are vigorously engaged in the national
<BR>reconstruction of the country. We are working for the development and
<BR>peace of our nation. At the same time, we are trying to place
our
<BR>country on the path of democracy, and to build a democratic system.
<BR>So, first we have to establish conditions of peace and tranquility,
<BR>and law and order. At the same time as we are trying to establish
<BR>political stability however, we must also build up the economic
<BR>foundation of our nation. So we?re definitely trying to do both."
<P>He then added:
<P>"Of course we believe it?s not natural for the armed forces to assume
<BR>responsibility for the state for a very long time, but you must
<BR>realize that because of the particular circumstances and conditions
<BR>in our country, the armed forces have to assume responsibility for
a
<BR>certain period of time."
<P>To the question of whether U.S. sanctions which have hurt business
<BR>investment in Myanmar and the adverse effect of the influence it was
<BR>using on the European nations, was driving Myanmar more toward
China,
<BR>Senior General Than Shwe replied at some length that:
<P>"It?s true, the United States has instituted sanctions against our
<BR>nation. But because we have developed a vibrant border trade with our
<BR>neighboring countries of India, China, and Thailand, and because of
<BR>the assistance and support from other countries in the region, the
<BR>impact of the sanctions is not so great."
<P>"Whether the result of these sanctions has an effect on our
<BR>relationship with other countries, I want to say that Myanmar has
<BR>always tried to maintain friendly ties with all countries in
the
<BR>world. We have been consistent in this policy throughout our history.
<BR>So, in spite of any sanctions the Unied States has against us,
we
<BR>bear no hostility and no antagonism toward the United States."
<P>When again asked if that wasn?t driving Myanmar closer to China, he
<BR>replied:
<P>"No, I wouldn?t say that U.S. sanctions are pushing us toward China.
<BR>We want to continue to maintain good, cordial relations with all
<BR>countries."
<P>"Our country has a lot of natural resources, and we are able to
<BR>utilize them very well to develop our nation?s economy. In addition,
<BR>the countries in our region cooperate well with us, which also helps
<BR>in our economic development. Of course! if we get assistance from
<BR>countries abroad, it will help us develop our nation even more!
<BR>Having international assistance and support will greatly facilitate
<BR>our economic and political endeavors and will also help us build a
<BR>democratic system more quickly by facilitating the handing of state
<BR>power back to the people."
<P>"My genuine desire is to see our country develop and prosper, and to
<BR>see the emergence of a democratic system. It is toward this end that
<BR>we are putting our best efforts. I believe that if instead of
<BR>imposing economic sanctions on our country the world community would
<BR>help us, we could reach this goal within three years."
<P>With regard to questions raised by the West on the completion of the
<BR>constitution and when free elections would be held, Senior General
<BR>Than Shwe had this to say:
<P>"Let me say that we have no intention of prolonging the process
<BR>unnecessarily. If we receive international assistance and support,
the
<BR>process of establishing a democratic system in our country will
be
<BR>sped up. But if there is a hostile attitude from other countries, the
<BR>process of democratization could be prolonged.
<BR>However, we on our part, have no intention whatsoever to unnecessarily
<BR>prolong this process."
<P>Concerning the unofficial view of the American Government that the
<BR>constitution would be written and elections held only at a time the
<BR>military can win elections, he calmly replied:
<P>"Well, you know, the people will elect whom they like."
<P>Asked whether he would consider a high-level visit to the United
<BR>States and Europe to discuss the World Bank, the sanctions and to
<BR>convince those involved that the sanctions were hurting the people
<BR>and not the Government which would still continue to pursue its
<BR>present course and hold constitutional elections only when the
time
<BR>was right, he answered that there were visa constraints, but on
<BR>suggestion that a visa would be no problem if he should travel to
<BR>address the United Nations, as Head of Government he replied that:
<P>"If there is such an oportunity, of course."
<P>The interviewer dealt with the fact that Myanmar situated between
<BR>India and China, could offer the United States a strategic position.
<BR>And then asked if it would not be in the interest of both countries
<BR>if discussions with the United States could be held along these lines.
<BR>The Senior General fielded this query with the remark that:
<P>"It is something to think about. Because of the geographical and
<BR>geopolitical fate of being located between India and China, two very
<BR>big neighbors, we try to maintain good relations with both those
<BR>countries. It would not help us if either China or India had
<BR>unfavorable views toward us. We believe that if there were a
change
<BR>of mind in the United States, we could develop cordial relations
<BR>there, too."
<P>Touching upon the econom,y Senior General Than Shwe was next asked if
<BR>Myanmar would welcome investments by a big multinational company as
<BR>was now the practice in developing countries, to come into the
<BR>country to build a major project such as a power plant. The reply was:
<P>"One thing we chose to do after assuming the responsibility of running
<BR>the governement was to introduce an economic policy, and we invited
<BR>foreign investment from abroad. Toward this end, we have set up
<BR>necessary rules and procedures. We have our own regulations and laws
<BR>for the kinds of investments you describe."
<P>When he was asked in which areas he would prefer to have such
<BR>investments Senior General Than Shwe said:
<P>"One sector that comes to mind is hydroelectricity, because, as you
<BR>know, we have resources for 3,000 , 5,000, or even 10,000 megawatts.
<BR>Another potential area is offshore drilling, because we have
a lot of
<BR>natural gas resources. There are already companies interested in this
<BR>area."
<P>When asked if there was still room for competition in this area since
<BR>Texaco, Arco and Unocal were already in business, the Senior General
<BR>replying in the affirmative said.
<P>"Yes. These companies are working with us on a joint venture, but we
<BR>believe there is much more potential to be tapped in downstream
<BR>industries, such as gas, fertilizers, and methanol."
<P>On his vision for Myanmar in the coming century and the priorities for
<BR>future nation building Senior General Than Shwe unequivocally stated:
<P>"Our vision is to establish a peaceful, prosperous, modern,
<BR>democratic, and developed state, utilizing the natural resources
<BR>available in our country. We are also a member of the Association of
<BR>Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and are trying to fulfill the vision
<BR>set out for all ASEAN countries in what is called a "Vision 2020"
<BR>statement."
<P>To the question as to which ASEAN country best understood Myanmar the
<BR>reply was:
<P>"Since we have been able to develop very close contacts with the
<BR>leaders of all the ASEAN countries, I would say all of them have a
<BR>good understanding of and very good relations with our country."
<P>As regards the Myanmar leader?sfeelings towards the United States,
<BR>Senior General Than Shwe?s reply reflected his devotion to and
<BR>practice of the tenets of the Buddha?s teachings. He said:
<P>"Let me again reiterate that we have no ill feelings whatsoever toward
<BR>the United States. As you know, I am a soldier, but at the same time,
<BR>I am also a Buddhist. I faithfully try to follow the Buddhist
<BR>teaching, which says one should not entertain antagonistic or hostile
<BR>feelings toward other human beings. So, even though I am a soldier,
<BR>and even though I have to do certain things for the maintenance of
<BR>peace and stability and for the welfare and security of the
<BR>country, I don?t have hostile or antagonistic feelings toward others.
<BR>Although the United States may have some ill feelings toward us, we
<BR>have no ill feelings toward the United States."
<P>Finally, when asked by the interviewer how he could be so quiet and
<BR>calm, the Senior General said:
<P>"Actually, you know, I try to be calm and serene. Even now I am
<BR>thinking that when I retire, I will devote myself to religion. I don't
<BR>have any worldly desires; I just want to live a quiet and peaceful
<BR>life. What I am doing now is because I love my country."
<P>His reply was indeed convincing in its very simplicity and showed the
<BR>depth of his feelings for the country and his people.
<BR>********************************************
<P>Mg Myanmar
<BR>A Myanmar citizen who loves Myanmar
<P>********************************************
<BR>-----------------------------------------------
<BR>FREE! The World's Best Email Address @email.com
<BR>Reserve your name now at <A HREF="http://www.email.com";>http://www.email.com</A></BLOCKQUOTE>
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