30 July, 2004 - Published 16:54 GMT

Your views on Dr. Zar Ni's trip to Burma

Dr Zarni, founder of Free Burma Coalition (FBC), who once strongly lobbied to impose sanctions on Burma, went to Burma and held talks with Bg. General Than Tun and some intelligence officials of the military government.

Although he did not reveal details of the talk, he said sanctions were counter productive and that discussion was 'a must' to break through the political deadlock in Burma.

BBC Burmese presents a live discussion between Dr Zar Ni and two of other new generation leaders- Ko Than Ke, leader of All Burma's Students Democratic Front (ABSDF), and Ko Aung Moe Zaw, chairman of Democratic Party for New Society (DPNS).

They opposed Ko Zarni's idea and argued that it was untimely and inappropriate for him to have met with the military government officials.

What is your opinion on this issue? Who do you think is correct, Dr Zarni or Ko Than Ke and Ko Aung Moe Zaw?

That is a trap. The SPDC is very clever at playing that game. Previously, Dr. Htun Aye, Dr. Win Naing, Daw Mya Mya Win and Mg Pan Hmwe did the same. Let's just wait and see, time is the answer.
Lin Aung, Sydney, Australia

It is a really good idea because sanctions make our mother land poorer. Our neighbours are building their country with speed while we Burmese are fighting...I really don't believe so-called exile politicians because all their families and relatives are abroad and they don't care about people inside Burma. They can say extreme things. They are holding a grudge of 8888 instead of building real democracy for next generations. Aung San Suu Kyiv understands about the people in Burma because she is open-minded. I strongly support Dr. Zar Ni.
Min Min, Sheffield, UK

I'd surely say that Dr Zar Ni is absolutely wrong because he failed to understand the Burmese military's history, and doesn't have any agreement with other Burmese democratic organizations, or doesn't have mandate to act like that. That means he is the only one who doesn't stay under one roof. In fact, SLORC or SPDC never offer to negotiate or talk with DAB, NCUB, NCGUB, NLD and UNLD officially, but Dr. Zar Ni, KIO and some cease-fire groups, why? Negotiation with SPDC isn't a new strategy - it has been consistently demanded by democrats for decades. The outcomes of negotiation with SPDC depend on how strong he is. Let him ask himself first "Am I breathing on my own?" Burma has already been on a list of LDC before sanctions. We, Burmese democratic movements, never have easy lives in foreign countries, especially in the U.S. How about you "Dr. Zar Ni"? We like you to know that we have been jailed inside Burma for at least once or more for taking part in democracy movement - we have spent at least 1,2,3 years or more of our lives in the jungle for armed-struggle - we always have very-hard chances to go school in foreign countries - we work at industries as floor workers, live in small rooms, earn hard money and spend our money for democracy movement as much as we can- we aren't breathing with other people's noses -but may be we're completely different from people like you.
Kyaw Moe, Richfield, USA

Dr. Zar Ni 's trip to Burma and his personal talk with the military can not bring any prosperity for him and Burmese people, especially for those who take an active part in the struggle for democracy and human rights to be restored in Burma (Myanmar). It is clear that the military regime, being experienced to play a trick on everyone, is easy to make not only one man show Dr. Zar Ni but also the cease- fire groups fool. Well, now Burmese military government has got an ace so-called Dr. Zar Ni in the hold to make waves in our political society fighting against them. Eventually, I would like to say politics is no longer a private property, but for the masses. And our struggle for Burma is to defeat the injustice.
Tun Aung, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

I agree with Dr. Zar Ni, sanctions are counter productive and I think it will not work in Burma. People in Burma will find a way to avoid sanctions. It’s a matter of demand and supply. As long as people in the U.S. or other countries want more affordable and cheap clothing, the suppliers will find a way to import them even if they are banned. Discussion is the way to go.
Joe Rubin, LA, USA

I am not opposing to Zar Ni trip to Burma and whoever he met. But if he just emphasizes on lifting sanctions, I can't agree with that. The problem of our beloved country, Burma can't be solved by just lifting the sanctions. It will make SPDC stronger. He should find out and ask regime what they will do for national reconciliation. Let NLD and ethnic groups to participate in the reconciliation. On the other hand, we will allow Tatmadaw in future role to some extent. Burma long term problem can't solved from one-side only. Power balancing is really needed. Khin Lay Nwe, Mandalay, Burma

As an ordinary Burmese citizen, I support whoever tries to engage democracy in Burma and get rid of military. Zar Ni is right to go. My concern for free media is that it is just full of 'leaders' and lack in voices of ordinary citizen. We know the inside situation. SPDC oppresses whoever they think is the opposition. Majority don't dare to speak out. Zar Ni may be delusional but he has done it for the country. I wish many others will dare to find out various ways as Ko Zar Ni does. Democracy is a variety of ideas.
Myo Thet Naing, Singapore

Of course, every person has the right to see and talk with the military if he or she has the chance. What he has said is also logical and reasonable. What the other two warned with the precedent meetings of such manner, like between Dr. Win Naing, Daw Mya Mya Win, Dr. U Tun Aye (All from Japan) is also correct, and nothing good has produced out of their involvement. Besides, they just used the opportunity for their own benefit. If Ko Zar Ni could persuade the SPDC to do half-right or a quarter-right, it would be really wonderful. If he sells himself for his own greed or lust, we do not need to worry about it, because it will ever remain as a history. But, by pushing him too much could produce unwanted effect for the opposition. I, too, do not agree 'overall sanctions' from the start. ( I can agree if it is only applied against the SPDC and its affiliates.) As Dr. David I. Steinberg has repeatedly pointed out, it is not the answer, but it is "boo lay yer phayone sint" for the already suffering people. Ko Zar Ni once believed in sanctions and worked for it vigorously, but now he realised it. And I wish him successful in easing the tough measures of the SPDC. We need to be patient. But I want to ask him this: he has said if Daw Suu and NLD were not permitted to participate in the National Convention, he surely would oppose it. How this is working now? And, what is his opinion on 1990 election results and power transfer. I agree to disagree. Thank you.
Nyunt Shwe, Tokyo, Japan

I am very sure that Dr. Zar Ni was right to go and see military government. FBC must see military government to understand their real position and their thought. If Dr. Zar Ni did not go to Burma to see military government, how we will know that what they are planning for future. This is an opportunity to learn something from them which we can not find it from the newspaper, radio and TV. Finally we have some information from them. May be they do not share 100% of their thoughts with Dr. Zar Ni and he may be able to analysis 1%. It is better than nothing and we can do better planning to compete with them. Thank you Dr. Zar Ni for taking a chance to visit Burma.
Ko Maung, Singapore

Innnn...so hard to say. Last night I had heard the live discussion from Dr Zar Ni. I did like his angry words. I suspect he has links with the military government!! Whenever I think about Myanmar political affairs, I got headache, and I can't imagine the future. I’m so disappointed about Myanmar and have already given up on Myanmar’s future.
Ko Laung, Hong Kong

It is not important whether Dr Zar Ni met with the military or not. My opinion is as a Myanmar saying goes, "the night can't get darker after midnight" for Myanmar people. So whatever we do, everything is right.
Kyaw Kyaw Htoo, Rangoon, Burma

There is no right and wrong in politics. people did what they believe in and people can have different view in term of democracy. In stead of criticizing the different political views, one of these three people should present the alarming facts to the UN and prevent the near future bloodshed in Burma. thank you.
Myo, UK

His visit is just for popularity and his own political interest, not for people of Burma. I have not seen any sacrifice from him in the struggle for democratic Burma. I do not believe that he could bring any resolution for Burmese crisis.
Win Naing, Sweden

I am wondering that some pro-democracy leaders are getting radical. Why they can't accept someone who try for some peace in Burma. No matter who try, the most important thing is to get reconciliation. If Zar Ni walks the same path like Mya Mya Win and Win Naing, it will be his history. Nothing to do with pro-democracy movement.
Kyaw Min Swe, Rangoon, Burma

Dr. Zar Ni is correct. Whatever pressures imposed on the government of Myanmar are counter-productive. Asean leaders had repeatedly said that. Democracy is a process. We should not try to go a short-cut way. At present there is no one group of people who can take over the responsibility of the present military government.
Min Chit, Kobe, Japan

Yes, I think Dr Zar Ni is absolutely right . You know, exploring for a break through, any way, should be welcomed.
Hla Aung, Paris, France

I can believe him saying that he did all this things as an ordinary Burmese citizen. As a person who takes a leadership role of a democratic organization, he has a duty to represent and follow its policies all time. He can't act like an individual. He said, if a person doesn't like his action that person can leave the organization. It means he is also a dictator like SPDC. Now, FBC members and advisor need to be reconsider their status. Farewell Dr. Zar Ni. Good luck for your future business.
Thar Htwe (A truly Burmese Citizen)

We can not say Dr. Zar Ni's Yangon trip was wrong. I agree to his trip with cautions. His personal trip to Yangon will be right if: 1. SPDC generals will listen to him and follow up his proposal to make a dialogue and to restore REAL national reconciliation. 2.If we can expect the changes of SPDC generals' minds to respect the people's desires. 3.Santion? We have enough bitter experience with foreign investments. Who got the benefits over the period of foreign investment time 1990s??Only SPDC generals and their relatives' US$ bank accounts deposited with trade commissions, export and import earnings!!! Meanwhile, ordinary people were jobless, living with fear and poverty. Foreign investments will not be able to promote our people life standards under these SPDC generals. 4. Simply, we could not even get a chance to work in such foreign companies unless you are from SPDC and military related families. No equal rights to do business was there. So, who will feel sad with sanctions?? Surest, normal people will feel nothing. 5. If SPDC generals had a genuine desire to develop a democratic country and held a meaningful national convention, Zar Ni's trip would not have been taken place. One Myanmar saying is that "If someone successfully lied for the first time, the liar is responsible. But if this lie can be told repeatedly, believers are responsible. I am sure the people inside the country are clever enough now, but Dr. Zar Ni still needs to learn more lessons from the SPDC.
Khin Maung Nyunt, Singapore

Everyone writes their own history. The day Dr Zar Ni talked with SPDC, he has already written his history and his political life has gone down. International community and people of Burma have asked the SPDC to move forward with democratic reforms for more than 15yrs. SPDC neglects the voices around the world and will try to hold on to power until the last moment. They will use every technique to keep their power. I can't understand why international community is still thinking of negotiating with them. Is it not enough giving them more then 15 years? How about trying a hard-line approach. I think it will be quicker. Dr. Zar Ni's name has been marked in Thajar Min's list of bad people.
Thajarmin, Japan