RFA: Soe Thin's Interview with Daw

[MMAung@xxxxxxx]

Dear readers:

Hoping you have been constantly watching RFA's works, we wrote up this follow-
up.  Though we are very much aware of clever manipulation of news and articles
by U Soe Thin in favor of his former master, Ne Win, we want the readers to
judge on his actions and take necessary actions toward making RFA a more
democratic and unbiased media.

Myo Myint Aung
Independent Media & Research Center of Burma (IMRCB)
In Support of All Truth Lovers.

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U Soe Thin, Director of RFA (Burmese Section) and Daw Nyein Shwe, former VOA
staff had an interview with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and RFA broadcast this
interview twice on September 30 and October 1.

Some readers who could have listened to this interview might think, "Finally,
Soe Think changed his mind" even though they still doubt his motive behind
conducting this interview.  Some of us think, "Soe Thin is just trying to
cover his previous promilitary broadcasts by doing this interview."

To know U Soe Thin's real motive of conduting this interview, we listened to
the interview at least three times and did a thorough analysis on the
questions he asked Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Questionable Soe Thin Qustions
=======================
Question No. 1
Soe Thin asked how many ethnic organizations have supported Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi's 10-member parliamentary committee.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's answer was clear.  The committe has obtained substaial
suport from most real ethnic organizations.  But, to name "these
organizations" at this moment is not advisable because everybody can guess
what consequences against these organizations might follow after her
interview.
This question by Soe Thin is something questionable.

Question No.4.
Soe Thin asked, based on her recent call for Tatmadaw's cooperation for
convening the parliament, whether she considers the armed force personnel are
"vital and primary" group in national democratization process.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's answer is sharp and clear.  She said, "Tatmadaw's role
is important but every group and class in the country is similary important in
this strife.  It is not right to accpet the idea which advocates "a certain
group" is the most important in national politics. 
This question by Soe Thin is again questionable.

Question No. 6.
Daw Nyein Shwe asked Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's opinion on Ohn Gyaw's speech given
at the 53th UN Assembly.  She read out a few sentences: "Ohn Gyaw said the
Burmese regime has chosen the path to democracy and thus no country should
interfere with Burma's internal affairs."
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's response is clear.  UN yearly used to pass resolutions
on Burma concerning human rights.  Every nation who endorsed these resolutions
has the duty to make them effective.  If the human rights situation inside
Burma really improves, no one will interfere.
This question is odd and irrelevant in this interview.

Question No. 7.
Daw Nyein Shwe asked, quoting Xinhwa news agency reported that SPDC offered a
peaceful settlement with NLD and is thus becoming some how constructive, Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi's opinion.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi counterquestioned her, "who said that?"  Daw Neyin Shwe,
with a child-voice, answered..."no...we are quoting Xinhwa News Agency's
report."
DASSK replied that RFA should check with XNA again.  And she continued,
arbitrarily arresting 1000 of our members can never be a constructive
engagement shown by SLORC.

All these questions are questionable.  Question 1. is what SPDC wanted to know
to find out any political backing remaining for NLD.  Soe Thin did it for
SPDC.  Question 5. reflected his pro-military view: Tatmadaw is the "most
important group."  Question 6. is to do with SPDC's propaganda and RFA echoed
it.  Question 7. accidentally revealed the RFA's habbit of broadcasting
incredible and unconfirmed reports.  They should double-check these question
before hand.  This question also promotes the SPDC's image as an understanding
organization in power.

Why does not U Soe Thin ask other thousands of questions that are directly
related to democratic movement in Burma.  About the unlawful arrests by SPDC.
NLD's future action-plan.  The way he framed these questions are really
questionable.

Finally, we are still firm in our belief that Soe Thin is the same.

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