This new facade at Mingaladon airport is a visible sign on arrival

Canada-based political analyst U Myint Shwe says pro-democracy Burmese activists got panic attack upon hearing of a truly democratic exercise, referring to Free Burma Coalition founder Dr Zar Ni's trip to Burma.

This is democracy  Every body can go and talk to the military any time with a view to negotiate   U Myint Shwe

He also says talking with the SPDC is not the sole responsibility of the National League for Democracy (NLD).

'Every body can go and talk to the military any time with a view to negotiate', he says.

Professor Kanbawza Win disagrees with him saying that although people can have differing opinions, there must be a collective decision making process.

But please talk to others  There should have been more co-operation and co-ordination in Dr. Zar Ni's trip   Professor Kanbawza Win

'There should have been more co-operation and co-ordination in Dr. Zar Ni's trip', says Professor Win who also resides in Canada.

Should people leave the job of negotiating with the military government to the NLD alone?

Why shouldn't pro-democracy activists talk to the military government as they wish?

Some of the emails received...

I agree with U Myint Swe. Dr. Zarni should go there again and again and negotiate with the government. I believe he did not go there to destroy the democracy movement. If Dr. Zarni has to take action as per Pro. Kanbawza Win's statement he would have to wait another 2 to 3 years just to go there for one trip.
Min Chit, Kobe, Japan

Stop this  Talking about his trip to Burma is a waste of time. Please stop discussing about this subject.   Toe Kyi, Ottawa, Canada

Zarni's visit did not represent any party, and therefore it did not mean anything. It is a personal visit just like the son or relative of one of SPDC high-raking officers who had been away from home and visited his family.
Taw Klu, The Netherlands

Whether Dr. Zarni 's visit & discussion with Burmese government is right or wrong is not important. Actually at present time, he should not go. Also without any acknowledgement from his members, it is not a good idea to go. right. It means he didn't care about his group and if he wants he will act the way he likes. He can not be a good leader.
Minn Aung, Singapore

I was surprised Dr Zarni was too naive to expect some concessions from the SPDC.The past 15 years have witnessed that military rulers are trying to lie to us, divide us, bribe us; they even paid millions of dollars for e-passports in order to gain influence over Razali. Now DR Zarni met with the SPDC. That is a big victory for them. A negotiation with a prominent opposition leader can mislead the world that they are flexible, moderate and are trying to achieve democracy. I think Gen Khin Nyunt is going to be the one who will have the last laugh.
Khin Zaw, USA

Every body has the right to talk with the military so long as they are sincere to find a way to make it work. But I strongly believe that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is the only one person who can bring the national reconciliation into Burma. Other persons should try to make an effort to overcome the current political stalemate by making way for win-win situation.
Kyaw kyaw, Melbourne, Australia

I would like to raise some questions to U Myint Shwe: Do you think if people act freely as they wish, i.e 'talking and doing as one wishes', they contribute to democracy struggle? What do you think is fundamental in fighting for democracy: individual interest or collective interest? Thanks.
Thissar, Burma

Whatever it is, Dr.Zar Ni's trip to Burma is warmly welcomed.I suppose he is fulfilling the role of democratic reform in Burma as possible as he could. I really reconize his services for the national change. In fact, we should wait and see the role he is playing until we all see the outcome.
Aung Myo, Thailand

It is not a really good idea because he should respect to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. His trip to Burma was more like his personal visit. So I strongly disagree.
Apulay, Canada

Zar Ni's trip to Burma could bring more scholarship and business for himself. He emphasizes too much about not being dependent on the West but he himself pretends to have the United States government'supports behind him. A lot of people benefit out of Burmese democratic movement. Zar Ni is one of them and still benefiting. There is nothing to lose for the Burmese military to let some of its lower ranking officials to talk to people like him. Talking about his trip to Burma is a waste of time. Please stop discussing about this subject.
Toe Kyi, Ottawa, Canada