[burmanet2-l] The rainbow man, Madi

[dawnstar@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Subject: Re: [burmanet2-l] The rainbow man, Madiba is for Burma

Hello Thein Win, please excuse any ignorance on my behalf, but has
Nelson Mandela EVER said one word of praise for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, or
has he ever denounced the military junta? What is exactly his foreign
policy, or was his foreign policy rather, to Burma?

Any one have any precise answers?

ds


Thein Win wrote:
> 
> Dear all activists
> Kiru and me fully aware about Lt. Gen KN's visit to SA. Some of our
> activists said it is strange that HR icon President Mandela invite to
> military junta. In this context, I can see two parts. The first part
> is very simple.
> 1. Why SA invited Burmese Generals?
> It is so simple. Because SA has diplomatic tie with junta. As far as I
> know, according to SA newspapers they invite all countries who has
> diplomatic tie. If you read the Friday newspaper of "New Light of
> Myanmar"....
> " YANGON, 10 June - At the invitation of His Excellency Nelson R
> Mandela,President of the Republic of South Africa, Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt,
> Secretary-1of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of
> Myanmar, on behalf of the Chairman of the State Peace and Development
> Council of the Union of Myanmar, Senior General Than Shwe, will attend
> the inauguration
> ceremony of the newly elected President of the Republic of South
> Africa."
> If you read the above news, it sound great for junta. Although the
> junta did not say for laymen "Oh! President Mandela himself invite to
> Generals. It seem favour to Generals." The reality is it is just the
> office work. This is the State ceremony then State invite to their
> diplomats who have diplomatic tie. NOT special favour for junta. It is
> so simple. The 2nd part is more complicated.
> 2. Why they have diplomatic tie with Burmese military junta? The other
> way, people from SA, even SA academics can not understand clearly why

> present Gov and ANC do not want to criticise on Burma issue or why SA
> do not want to give clear message to international community their
> stand on Burma. The queries in this context are
> - SA is the democratic new-born child, they started their complicated
> structure only 4 years back.
> - Might be consider, their economic problem, investment problem
> against crimes ( one of the most crimes countries in the world),
> investment from Asia and ASEAN, so many internal problems during the
> very short transitional period.
> - Some discuss on "arms" issue. It was linked before democratic
> reform. Now after democratic election SA looks change the view. Likely
> they are serious consider to export weapons to the countries with bad
> human rights record. Sincerely speaking, I do not know too much on
> this issue. It is hardly to say.
> My view is I have still confident President Mandela, himself is still
> the icon for HR. He supports to Daw ASSK. ( President NM spoke about
> Burma/Daw ASSK for 3 occasions as far as I know, 1st and 3rd time his
> clear message showed that he support to ASSK and democratic struggle.
> Even in 3rd occasion at Thai, he said
> "``(Suu Kyi's) position has been a matter of concern in almost every
> part of the world,''
> "  ``I discussed the matter with one eminent leader in this region and
> put forward that point (of her lack of freedom),'' Mandela said. He
> said the Asian leader did not support a plan proposed by South
> Africa's Archbishop Desmond Tutu to send a delegation of Nobel Peace
> laureates to Burma to call for reform.
> ``As (he) said, as a result of the pressure that had been put on the
> leadership, the government of Burma, they had become hardened in their
> attitude and it would be better not to send a delegation but to send
> somebody...and do it quickly,'' he said.
> ``It is easier to persuade people in private conversations... If we
> want a quick result it is better to do so through dialogue,'' Mandela
> said, without saying who might be sent or when talks would take
> place."
> Even at latest interview with SA BC at his future home (he will stall
> at his native place after this term)
> partly he discussed on international issues when should involved. He
> said one person can not change, if you involve the other countries
> affairs the international bodies are the key role.
> I still optimistic on President NM. He mediated in some issues. He
> also mediated on Lockerbie.
> Now is the time for "BURMA"
> Remember,
> -He is not an Asia leader
> -He is not from EU or Western. It means he is NOT the sensitive issue
> for both sides.
> -DASSK ionised to President NM.
> -SPDC has acceptable relationship with President NM.
> -President NM himself has good relationship with some Asia leaders. He
> has excellent mediator features.
> - According to his above message, he is likely to mediate.
> -The favourable condition is he is not in SA Government body soon. He
> can have more concern with humanitarian and HR issues.He can deal with
> anybody because he is no longer State President..Arch.Desmond Tutu is
> also his good colleague. He will remain as an icon of Human Right and

> one of the most respectable world leaders.
> Due to the above criteria, the rainbow man Madiba ( old man,called him
> in SA) is the one we can count on him. The most important thing is we
> need international bodies need to persuade to him. Need lobbying to
> him from various angles.
> "Now is the time for BURMA."
> Relavent E-mails addresses
> President Thabo Mbeki <president@xxxxxxxxxx> <tmbeki@xxxxxxxxxx>
> President Mandela   <nmandela@xxxxxxxxxx>
> ANC youth league President Malusi Gigada < mgigaba@xxxxxxxxxx >
> Democratic Party (official opposition Party) Party Leader Mr. Tony
> Leon < headoffice@xxxxxxxxxxx >
> 
> Thein Win
> South Africa
>