GRAPE VINE
Current mindset of Burmese generals
source : SCB
The much publicised movement of the Buddha statue from Mandalay to Rangoon, as described in following Sunday Times article, has been the indication of junta taking refuge for itself from current political crisis. The motive by Burmese military leaders appears to be deeper than a plot to divert population's attention; a true reflection of junta's inability to mentally confront the crisis which it is facing. None the less, the junta is still in no mood to compromise its position regarding with the opposition NLD.
In recent years, it becomes apparent that nothing is working in favor of the junta. Junta's plan to write pro-military constitution being thwarted and its political model "Soherto's Indonesia" disappeared before its own eyes. Ceasefires concluded with some minority groups, which years ago claimed to be junta's main achievement, have now been a political liability and becoming the main source of conflict with neighbouring countries.
The pressure on junta being added by ever increasing level of condemnation by the international community and especially the United Nations. The ILO, for example, has given the junta November 30, 2000 as a deadline to remove the practice of forced labour 'in law and in practice'.
Within this climate, junta's work on Buddha statue is not only of merit making but also is to create an escape route for its mindset from current crisis.
Despite these pressures, unfortunately, a compromise with political opposition doesn't seems to be on its way. Nor the junta shows readiness to cooperate with the United Nations. When facing with thing beyond its intellictual capacity, the junta sets to react with 'no' to everything that might change current order. From Burmese junta's recent reaction regarding with NLD's trip to Dala and Mandalay, the junta apparently considers of such trip may threaten the existing order. It is to note that the junta has not been as solid as its supporters and sympathisers would like to portray. --
Regards, Ne Oo.
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