Posted on 11/26/2004 6:15:58 PM PST by Valin
VIENTIANE: Military-run Myanmar said on Friday there would be no changes to its promised “road map” to democracy after a leadership shake-up last month in which the prime minister was sacked.
“The answer is clear, there will be no changes,” Foreign Minister Nyan Win told reporters on the sidelines of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings in the Lao capital Vientiane.
“The recent changes will have no bearing on either the country’s domestic or foreign policy,” he said. Khin Nyunt, who was also intelligence chief, was removed from his post as prime minister on October 17 and placed under house arrest for alleged corruption. It was feared that his dismissal, and the rise of military hardliners within the administration, would throw the “road map” to democracy off course.
Khin Nyunt outlined the plan in August 2003 in response to international condemnation of the detention of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the lack of democratic reforms.
The reform plan, which is supposed to end with multi-party elections, has been dismissed as a sham by key critics the US and Europe. Nyan Win said: “We will continue to work ceaselessly to ensure the success of the seven-step road map.”
The former premier had been “permitted to retire because he was held responsible for acts of insubordination, bribery and corruption,” he said.
The release of more than 9,000 prisoners from Myanmar’s jails announced this month was part of the regime’s efforts to “promote national unity and build confidence among the people,” the minister said.
“The reason for this action is that the charges were originally brought against these individuals by the national intelligence bureau. This national intelligence bureau has been dissolved,” he said
"democracy 'road map'"
Well, we'll see where this map takes us and whether any of the roads lead to freeing Aung San Suu Kyi. I'm betting there's a big "Detour" sign on that road.
What's "Myanmar"'s real name, again?
Burma.....the U.S. doesn't recognize it by Myanmar
Given the recent history of Burma I am....skeptical.
I hope I'm wrong.
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