Burma: Reconciliation in Myanmar and the Crises of Change
 

Panel VII: The Road Ahead -
Compromise, Conciliation or Confrontation?
 

Presentation by H.E. U Linn Myaing, Ambassador
Embassy of Myanmar, Washington, DC

          As this conference is about to end, I think we can all agree that a lot of ground regarding the situation in Myanmar has been covered. Although such conferences never attempt to come to any conclusions, the discussions often lead to some understanding, if not agreement of many aspects.
 

          In the present case, I am sure that some consensus has been reached that Myanmar is moving ahead in transforming itself into a multiparty democracy and market economy. Since the establishment of a peaceful, modern and developed democratic society is the aspiration of the people of Myanmar, I could say that the goal has clearly been defined. At the same time, the ways and means to achieve that goal are also very clear to us. We will work out amongst ourselves a home grown political settlement, at a pace that will serve the best interests of all residing in the Union. This intention is recognized and supported by the United Nations also.
 

           So the answer to the question in "The Road Ahead: Compromise, Conciliation or Confrontation" is very simple. We will proceed ahead in a conciliatory manner with all parties involved within the country and also with the International community. It is definitely not the intention of the Government to take a confrontational approach in solving issues. We know that such a course of action cannot bring about the positive
 results that we hope for.
 

           We need to take lessons from our history which has shown that only if there is unity amongst ourselves can the country be strong and unified and the people prosper. Disunity leads to weakness, chaos and poor quality of life for the people. The golden eras in our history, established by King Anawrahta, King Bayintnaung and King Alaungpaya came about because the country was able to unify under these strong kings and draw strength from its unity. In the late 19th century not only national disunity but court intrigues left the country in a weak position which was then exploited by the colonizers, resulting in the loss of our kingdom and independence.
 

          Not that long ago, Myanmar suffered through months of riots, looting, social anarchy, and even mob inspired beheadings and executions before law and order could finally be restored. The country was brought to the brink of collapse. But that was not the first time within recent history that the country was threatened from within. The onset of independence brought about widespread insurrections which destabilized the whole of the country, leaving at one time, only the capital as securely under Government rule. Although not as dire, we continued to experience instability as armed insurgencies kept on erupting against the central Government for over 40 years under various political systems.
 

             No one in Myanmar wishes to go through such ordeals again. We are therefore, taking the issue of unity and political stability most seriously as the nation evolves steadily towards the goal of a stable multiparty democratic system.
 

            To that end. many positive developments have been achieved in the country in the recent past, not only due to the conciliatory stand that the Government has taken, but also because of the reliance that it places on its own people and resources as well as the understanding shown by relevant parties. To cite a few important examples:

          Myanmar is a nation where 135 national races have lived together for so many centuries. And now that the Union spirit of Myanmar has been rekindled, it has enabled the Government to embark on the next step of the national reconciliation process. As contacts and meetings between leaders of the Government and the NLD party has proceeded, so has the political climate seen a steady Improvement. We reached another milestone in our national reconciliation process on May 6, 2002 when the authorities pledged to allow the citizens of Myanmar to participate freely in the political process, while giving priority to national unity I peace and stability of the country. As a consequence, all restrictions on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi were lifted on the same day and she has since been traveling freely in the country and carrying on with her party duties. She has also been meeting with relevant authorities many times and all this has in turn contributed to a better state of affairs in the political arena.
 

           Mindful of the negative consequences of ill prepared transitions, firm foundations are being laid down in orderly and measured steps. A level playing field is gradually being established for the benefit of all parties. The national reconciliation process continues to evolve positively and in a way that corresponds with the spirit of a home grown process. We believe that the pace of change can only be determined by the people of Myanmar.
 

          To turn to another facet that plays a part in talking of changes, I have to mention our relationship with the outside world. Myanmar maintains friendly relations with all countries in accordance with the 5 principles of peaceful coexistence whose essence is mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty, and non- interference in each other's internal affairs. These principles of peaceful coexistence remain the major cornerstone of our foreign policy. Myanmar poses no threat to any country in any way and tries its best to solve problems amicably.
 

           We have also shown full cooperation with the United Nations as a responsible member of that organization. The Government has been working together with the representatives of the Secretary-General, the Human Rights Commission, as well as organizations such as the ICRC, ILO and UNHCR towards the betterment of the lives of our people. The Government has been especially appreciative of the UN Special Envoy Mr. Razali Ismail's balanced approach, patience and determination in assisting the ongoing dialogue in the national reconciliation process.

           Unfortunately, there remain countries which think that applying political and economic pressures is the best means of encouraging a transition to democratic rule. We have committed ourselves to a democratic society with a market economy and we are moving ahead at a pace that is most beneficial to us. Therefore such confrontational efforts can only have a negative impact. They serve only to hinder the process that we have embarked upon.

            The international community can best assist by encouraging the process, including a reconciliation that should be "home grown". The national reconciliation and nation building process underway in Myanmar will proceed smoothly and at a greater pace if the international community give us more time and space and display understanding, encouragement, and engagement.
 

           There has been a resurgence of national pride here in the United States. The people of Myanmar have always had great national pride also. We take pride in our  culture, in our character and in our independence. Exerting undue pressure for change through means such as sanctions and isolation will only result in a renewed determination to go on by ourselves. We only ask to be allowed the dignity of working out change and transition in our own way and that our people not suffer unduly through the misguided efforts of those who are only determined to see ogres and are blind to actual human faces and lives. There is after all more than one road to follow to reach the goal and to insist that there is only one correct way is rather overbearing and dogmatic.
 

           I should like to quote some of the remarks made recently by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Professor Pinheiro, who has recognized and managed to put into a nutshell some of the points that the international community has long needed to understand:
 

          We hope that these words of the Special Rapporteur will find resonance with all those who wish our country well.
 

          In concluding, I'd like to reiterate that Myanmar is determined to pursue a further transition process with patience, tolerance and magnanimity and that the confrontational attitudes of all parties will eventually become things of the past.
 

          Thank you.