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RFA: Soe Thin's Interview with Daw

https://www.burmalibrary.org/reg.burma/archives/199810/msg00064.html

Subject: RFA: Soe Thin's Interview with Daw

From: MMAung@xxxxxxx

Date: Fri, 02 Oct 1998 22:14:00

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. ****************************************

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. ******************************** Prev by Date: Bangkok Post News (3/10/98) Next by Date: Declaration on attitude of Kayin pe Previous by thread: Bangkok Post News (3/10/98) Next by thread: Declaration on attitude of Kayin pe Index(es): Date Thread