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To: reg.burma@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Tue, 6 Feb 1996 17:40:16 +0000
Subject: Burma military finds it difficult to ignore Suu Kyi
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Organization: Forum for Democracy and Human Rights

6 February 1996

BURMESE MILITARY FINDS IT DIFFICULT TO IGNORE SUU KYI

Rangoon, Feb. 5: Burma's military rulers have notched up successes against ethnic insurgents and a backward economy, but they have failed to shift the political focus away from pro-democracy Aung San Suu Kyi.
Regular commentaries in the state-run press refer to her dismissive and deride her views, but they also serve as a continual remainder of her existence to a broad spectrum of the population.
"These articles win us a lot of supports," Aung San Suu Kyi told AFP in a recent interview. "Some people feel we have a secret supporters (in the press), " she added with a smile. Realistically, she and her National League for Democracy are no closer to power than they were in 1990 when, although the party swept the general elections, the junta refused to acknowledge the results and step down.
Officially known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council, the junta maintains firm control over the government and the population in general.
"But she puts them on the defensive," a political observer commented, referring to the pro-democracy campaigner. Both sides stubbornly insist they are in the right, and the atmosphere does not appear favorable for substantive talks at this time.
"Perhaps the SLORC will offer some sort of `window-dressing' meeting with her before(Yozo)Yokota makes his report to the UN in February," one long-time resident of Rangoon speculated, referring to the UN special Rapporteur on human rights.
But any talks could be dragged out for months or more, long enough for the SLORC to get a new Constitution  adopted giving the military a permanent "guiding" role in the government.
"Then they could hold new elections that come up with a result they can live with this time, however that result is obtained," another analyst said. Such speculation is only guesswork. The junta's membership is no secret, but its working are opaque. The few indicators emerging include 
and obvious cosying up to other countries in the region, and particularly the ASEAN nations.(AFP)

P.S. This news was attached with a photo of "An old woman smokes a hand-rolled cheroot made of corn husks wrapped around leftover tobacco leaves and other material as she tends her stall at Nyaung-U maeket, 400 km from Rangoon. Imported cigarettes are aviailable but most of the population cannot affrd it. A photograph by Michele Cooper (AFP)".

End report xxx