"This is an outline of a speech given by the Honourable Janelle Saffin MLC, BLC Executive Member, at a seminar on Burma and its path towards independence and democracy, hosted by the New Zealand Asia Institute on the 18th-19th August 2000. For the complete text of the speech and other Burma commentary please see in the upcoming New Zealand Asia Institute?s publication of the seminar?s proceedings. The Institute is housed at Auckland University Auckland New Zealand. The Institute Director is Professor Chris Tremewan who is also Pro Vice Chancellor of Auckland University. Ms Xin Chen is the Executive Officer..."