Burma Dialogue

"While putting energy into the democratization process, the government has been making efforts for the national reconsolidation.

As part of efforts for transition to democracy by implementing the seven-step Road Map and ensuring peace and stability and bringing about development of the country in unity and cooperation, Minister for Labour U Aung Kyi was assigned duties as Minister for Relations and he met Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at Seinle Kantha Guest House here from 1 pm to 1.25 pm and from 2.35 pm to 3.30 pm today.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi held discussion with Chairman of the National League for Democracy U Aung Shwe, Secretary U Lwin, Central Executive Committee member of NLD U Nyunt Wai and Spokesperson of NLD U Nyan Win from 1.30 pm to 2.30 pm today."

It seems despite skeptism of Burma watchers everywhere (myself included), Daw Suu is telling her NLD party members she "believes the generals intend to work toward democracy".

Still one can only assume such a statement comes with a certain expectation to read somewhat between the lines.

"This meeting was conducted in a government-controlled guesthouse, which in all likelihood was bugged by Burmese intelligence services, inhibiting open discussion," Human Rights Watch said in a statement Saturday. The group added the generals had "yet to release political prisoners and protesters, end military rule or even hold serious discussion with the political opposition."

Contradicting other reports that she might be released soon, Aung San Suu Kyi seems resigned to continue her stay under house arrest but is pushing for the release of political prisoners.

"She is full of ideas," Nyan Win said, adding that the Nobel peace laureate looked "fit, well and energetic like before."

U Nyan Win is the spokesperson for the NLD, not to be confused for Foreign Minister and Tatmadaw General Nyan Win. Who, found himself in an agitated confrontation in New York last month....

U.N. envoy Ibrahim Gambari released a statement by Daw Suu today as follows

"I wish to thank all those who have stood by my side all this time, both inside and outside my country. I am also grateful to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, for his unwavering support for the cause of national reconciliation, democracy and human rights in my country.

"I welcome the appointment on 8 October of Minister Aung Kyi as minister for relations. Our first meeting on 25 October was constructive and I look forward to further regular discussions. I expect that this phase of preliminary consultations will conclude soon so that a meaningful and timebound dialogue with the SPDC leadership can start as early as possible.

"In the interest of the nation, I stand ready to cooperate with the government in order to make this process of dialogue a success and welcome the necessary good offices role of the United Nations to help facilitate our efforts in this regard.

"In full awareness of the essential role of political parties in democratic societies, in deep appreciation of the sacrifices of the members of my party and in my position as General Secretary, I will be guided by the policies and wishes of the National League for Democracy. However, in this time of vital need for democratic solidarity and national unity, it is my duty to give constant and serious considerations to the interests and opinions of as broad a range of political organizations and forces as possible, in particular those of our ethnic nationality races.

"To that end, I am committed to pursue the path of dialogue constructively and invite the government and all relevant parties to join me in this spirit.

"I believe that stability, prosperity and democracy for my country, living at peace with itself and with full respect for human rights, offers the best prospect for my country to fully contribute to the development and stability of the region in close partnership with its neighbors and fellow ASEAN members, and to play a positive role as a respected member of the international community."

At this time it is being reported that three way talks between the junta, the NLD and the UN have been rejected by the junta. It is also being reported state run television channels are claiming that Daw Suu will be "permitted to meet the elderly leadership of her National League for Democracy - the first time she will have been allowed to receive visitors, other than official envoys, in three years."

Update

Members of Aung San Suu Kyi's party, the NLD, have met with are and are saying she will likely be released soon on the conditions of starting a dialogue with the junta. Though it goes without saying everyone will be doubtful that her release and freedom of movement will last very long or that real progress will be made on the part of the junta. It may be only a matter of time before she is put back under house arrest and that those members of her party who are not already in prison are arrested.

The September protest introduced Burma to a new generation of the international community. If history repeats itself this time it is possible the junta will have a harder time exercising complete disregard for rule of law or human rights.

Click here for a given analysis of Daw Suu's statement. It is important that we must not read her statement as a total embrace of the junta's halfhearted approach to dialogue. She is not only diplomatic but is considering how best to possibly consider the security and well being of the people of Burma. She knows she will ultimately, for the time being, have a limited reach but with care her influence will be permanent and guiding.

Gambari has already "met [with] ethnic leaders" (sic). The Red Cross is asking to see those who were detained during the protest. Gambari is scheduled to meet with Daw Suu Kyi on Wednesday. No timetable is set with the generals.

Because of a lack of concrete results, the Burmese people are growing frustrated with the UN and its envoys. Some Burmese call Gambari "kyauk yu pyan," which means "one who takes gems and then leaves,"

Paolo Sergio Pinheiro, UN special rapporteur on human rights in Burma, will follow later this month.

It is at this time unknown if demonstators will see this month as a time to rise. Perhaps organizing is taking place in quiet rooms. Or, perhaps, there are larger concerns - like, how are they going to get the piano in?

The internet in Burma was cut during the recent protest from Sept. 29 to Oct. 13 according to a report by OpenNet Initiative, Pulling the Plug. Now it is back down. With the large flow of images that came out of the country during the prolonged protest, it is reasonable to assume this is a reaction to new gathering of over 200 monks in the city of Pakokku. Many have been saying the protests are not over. The expected return of UN envoy Gambari might be viewed as an opportunity to return to the streets, another reason to shut down internet communication.

Burma is one of thirty countries that has less than 1 percent Internet penetration. Nonetheless, the Internet had begun to enhance a bi-directional flow information and communication for many Burmese, especially the educated, urban elite. In recent years, Burmese have begun receiving information from overseas via basic Internet services such as blogs, chat, forums, and email. As a relatively cheap communication tool, much of the value of Internet is based on the availability of overseas Web sites and Internet services.

Not long after the fresh protest, monastery administrators were called to a meeting by local authorities and urged not to attempt to start a new wave of protest. Shutting down the internet seems like a precautionary measure to keep the rest of the world from witnessing the militaries methods of retaining control, even when only faced with peaceful marches.

Also, anticipating Gambari's return, the junta is seeking to expel Myanmar U.N. Resident Coordinator Charles Petrie.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said: "I hope that this is not an effort by the regime to deflect from the mission of Mr. Gambari."

Well, of course it is.