Praise for Suu Kyi’s Letter Initiative

The initiative taken by opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in writing to junta leader Snr-Gen Than Shwe proposing talks has been welcomed by several regional observers.

In the letter to Than Shwe, dated Nov. 11, Suu Kyi thanked the regime for allowing her to meet with a visiting US delegation and asked for a bilateral meeting with Than Shwe.

Suu Kyi said she wanted to cooperate with the regime in efforts to end Western sanctions against Burma.

Roshan Jason, the executive director of the regional rights group Asean Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC), told The Irrawaddy that he agreed with Burma watchers that a meeting between Suu Kyi and Than Shwe would be a very important development.

“Her initiation of this effort is indication of softening of her approach for the benefit of Burmese people and for the benefit of democracy in the country,” said Jason.
 
Suu Kyi should be allowed to consult leaders of her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD) and ethnic political parties before any meeting with Than Shwe, he said.  

In her letter, Suu Kyi also asked to be allowed to meet with her NLD executive committee colleagues at her lakeside home in Rangoon.

Ohn Kyaing, a leading NLD member, said a meeting between Suu Kyi and Than Shwe was the most important element in solving political conflict in Burma.  

Ohn Kyaing said he believed the reason that political conflicts still existed was because the two decision makers do not meet regularly and negotiate in harmony. 

According to official records, Than Shwe and Suu Kyi have met three times between 1993 and 2003. 

Some observers, however, remain skeptical about the chances of a meeting between Than Shwe and Suu Kyi. Than Shwe might leave such a meeting to his minions, they say.

Than Shwe created a liaison minister, Aung Kyi, to conduct recent contacts with Suu Kyi.

Aye Tha Aung, chairman of the Arakan League for Democracy, said Suu Kyi and Than Shwe need to negotiate and get to understand each other first, proceeding then to discussions with the ethnic groups.