Talking Points
Asiaweek
May 25, 2001 VOL.27 NO.21
At least once every two weeks, for the past eight months, a black limousine with tinted windows has entered the compound at No. 54 University Avenue, Yangon, where democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi lives under house arrest. The limousine carries Maj.-Gen. Kyaw Win, who represents Myanmar's military regime in talks aimed at securing an accord with Suu Kyi. As a provisional settlement looms, these are the key players:
The Icon
Aung San Suu Kyi, 55
Aung San Suu Kyi led the National League for Democracy to a sweeping election victory in 1990, but the result was never honored. Imperious, stubborn and principled, she does not compromise easily. But her party has been decimated and the people yearn for normalcy. Convinced the junta is united in wanting a settlement, she is ready to cut a deal - and willing to remain sequestered until it is achieved.
The Dealmaker
Maj.-Gen. Kyaw Win, 56
Rare among the Burmese military, Kyaw Win is a man of culture. Now deputy head of the nation's intelligence services - only Khin Nyunt ranks higher - he keeps a low profile. Increasingly impressed by Suu Kyi, he recently said their "discussions on transition are going very well." He's a favorite of Gen. Than Shwe, so everyone knows he's dealing from the top.
The Instigator
Senior Gen. Than Shwe, 68
The nation's paramount leader since 1992, Than Shwe has balanced conflicting factions in the military. Seizing the moment, he decided last September to open talks with Suu Kyi, and met her himself at the outset. He aims to install a "disciplined" democracy - and will not step down until an agreement is reached.
The Mediator
Razali Ismail, 61
Malaysia's former president of the United Nations General Assembly, Razali serves as a special envoy of U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan. More important, he is an emissary of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, the Asian leader most admired by the Myanmar regime. Razali, working on Than Shwe as well as Suu Kyi, helped bring the two sides together. His job now is to keep them talking.
Secret Horse-trading Could Lead To This Deal
. A new Council of Ministers will act as a transitional government before elections within three to five years. It will comprise civilians and military men.
. Suu Kyi will not be a member of the new council, but may join the future elected bicameral government - perhaps as its leader.
. During the transition period the two sides, plus representatives of the ethnic minorities, will finalize a new constitution.
. The constitution will guarantee the military up to 25% of seats in parliament.
. Ethnic minorities will be given very limited autonomy.
. Generals will be given an amnesty for any abuses committed after 1988.