SUU KYI ACTIVISTS SET FOR TALKS (r)

[thawma@xxxxxxxxxxx]

Dear Robert,


What you should do is....
1- write a letter to the Sydney Morning Heral for misqoutation.
2- explanation about what you've conducted that interview.

Thawma'88

>
>Date: 28 Sep 1997 22:57:06
>Reply-To: Conference "reg.burma" <burmanet-l@xxxxxxxxxxx>
>From: rhorn@xxxxxx
>Subject: Re: SUU KYI ACTIVISTS SET FOR TALKS
>To: Recipients of burmanet-l <burmanet-l@xxxxxxxxxxx>
>
>Dear Burmanet Readers,
>
>To those of you who are angered by Aung Zaw's statement in a recent AP 
>story about the NLD making a mistake:
>
>I am the journalist who conducted the interview with Aung Zaw. A few 
>clarifications need to be made.
>
>First, the Sydney MOrning Herald piece that appeared on Burmanet is a 
>combinatin of two AP stories which were much longer than what the 
Herald 
>ran. So, in more than one way, this quote was taken out of context.
>
>Second, Aung Zaw's quote came from a 20-minute interview in which he 
said 
>a variety of things, not least of which was that he also believed the 
>SLORC was trying to split the NLD. Because other people voiced the same 
>opinion, their quotes ended up getting used on that point rather than 
>Aung Zaw's.
>
>Third, personal attacks on Aung Zaw, or speculating that he is seeking 
>favor from the SLORC, are uncalled for and simply unfair. If you 
examine 
>his work, it is clear that he is independent and fair. It is the job of 
>an independent journalist and a free press to question all sides, 
parties 
>and positions if they are to be credible. If you disagree with him, 
>criticize what he wrote or said, don't attack him personally.
>
>Lastly, if you read the longer story carefully, the comments and 
>statements about who is looking good or coming off as stubborn or 
>selfish, are mainly about appearances. In all likelihood, the SLORC 
>scored some public relations points in certain quarters with their 
move. 
>Aung Zaw was only one of many people who expressed that view. It is not 
a 
>statement that the SLORC's intentions were genuine, and ample space was 
>given in that story to contrary opinions and analysis.
>
>Open debate is an essential component of free, democratic societies. 
>Personal attacks don't advance knowledge or freedom.
>
>Sincerely,
>Robert Horn
>The Associated Press
>Bangkok, Thailand
>
>


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