[Buddha-l] Some interesting speculation on division within Burmese junta here

[jkirk]

http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/index.php?storyID=8907

Oct 1, 2007
UN envoy will stay until junta leaders talk

Mystery surrounds the generals’ absence from yesterday’s talks, writes
edward loxton 
 Ibrahim Gambari, UN special envoy, was due to make a second attempt today
to meet Burma's two top junta generals, Than Shwe and his deputy, Maung Aye,
who avoided a meeting yesterday in their remote, sealed-off capital,
Naypyidaw, on Sunday. No reason was given for their absence.
"Than Shwe and Maung Aye have been accused of snubbing Gambari, the United
Nations and the world community, but it could be more complicated than
that," said one prominent exile leader, who requested anonymity.
"Look at it this way: if there is disagreement between Than Shwe and Maung
Aye over how to handle the crisis, the appearance of one or the other at a
vital meeting with Gambari would send important signals.
"If Than Shwe appears alone, Maung Aye is out of the picture and Burma
descends into deeper disorder and even greater isolation. If Maung Aye
appears alone, Than Shwe has been deposed and a newer, more pragmatic policy
could emerge."
The UN has indicated that Gambari will insist on staying in Burma until he
has seen the two men. He met opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi at a
government guesthouse in Rangoon on Sunday, but no details have emerged of
their 90-minute encounter.

Reports hardened today that the army's divisional commanders of Rangoon and
Mandalay have been been sacked because of their opposition to the use of
force on anti-government protesters, particularly monks.
"There's clearly dissatisfaction at the effect the bloodshed will have on
Burma's image," said the exile leader. "We are hoping that the
dissatisfaction will spread through army ranks and lead to the overthrow of
Than Shwe."
Rangoon and other cities were relatively quiet this morning. Thousands of
troops were deployed around most monasteries, where monks were virtually
being held prisoner. 
Burma is closed to foreign reporters. Edward Loxton is reporting for The
First Post from Chiang Mai in neighbouring Thailand.
Burma is closed to foreign reporters. Edward Loxton is reporting for The
First Post from Chiang Mai in neighbouring Thailand.




 



 


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