THE LADY IS FREE

SAMUEL LIN Hong Kong, Far Economic Eastern Review

I agree that the international community will have to wait and see the extent of the Burmese military dictators' willingness to participate in genuine political dialogue. [Fingers Crossed, Editorials, May 16.]

The track record of the generals warns against too much exuberance at the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, and so far there is not a shred of evidence to suggest any genuine reform. I also agree that the junta is being hurt where they feel it most--in their pockets by the sanctions imposed by West. These bastions of democracy should wisely stay the course until strong evidence of political engagement is in place.

On the other hand, the Burmese military is not as monolithic as it once was, judging from the involvement of military commanders in the last coup attempt by the scions of their erstwhile godfather, Ne Win. Indeed, the army now appears to be having difficulties in recruiting. A Burmese army battalion now consists of less than 300 soldiers.