December 23, 2003

The Editor

The Washington Post

1150 15th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20071

Dear Mr. Editor,

The editorial of the Washington Post (Tuesday, December 23, 2003) ''The two Burmas'' simply ignores the positive developments taking place in Myanmar and attempts to dictate to those who understand the complexities of the issue and view the situation in a correct perspective, in order that they might follow the way the author thinks things should develop in the country.

In fact, the present Government is fully committed to transforming the country into a peaceful, modern and developed democratic state, which is the aspiration of the people of Myanmar.   It is endeavouring its utmost to bring about peace, stability, unity and economic development, which are prerequisites for democracy to flourish in the long term.

Considering that the time has arrived to move further ahead with the democratisation process, preliminary measures are now being taken to implement the first phase of the seven-step road map, which is the reconvening of the National Convention in the coming year.   The Foreign Minister of Myanmar has clearly spelled out at the conference held in Bangkok recently that eight groups, including the legally standing political parties and ethnic groups will be participating in the National Convention.

This initiative of the Government is receiving strong support not only within the country, but in the region as well.   It is only natural for the Secretary-General of the United Nations to welcome this development since Myanmar has been cooperating with the United Nations to the fullest extent possible to bring about developments in the country.   Furthermore, forces which have long opposed the Government are expressing their support to this initiative which is definitely going to lead to a better life for the people of Myanmar.

The editorial is beginning to sound like a nagging person, who, having decided on an unreasonable course of action, has no other recourse but to nag, with the result that the other person no longer listens.  Surely it is time to take stock, reconsider the good points and reinforce positive behaviour by praising rather than concentrating on criticising everything as being wrong.

Mr. Editor, all those who have a genuine desire to see Myanmar develop systematically into a democratic society and its people really prosper should lend a helping hand in the national reconciliation process and discard their own political agenda that will only hinder the ongoing process already taking place in Myanmar. 

Sincerely,

Sd/-

Information Officer

Embassy of the Union of Myanmar

2300 S Street NW