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Dissidents examine South African model

A 2-day workshop was held in Bangkok by a Burmese exile organization on Wednesday, according to our correspondent.

Workshop on Transition in South Africa, organized by the National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB) an umbrella organization of pro-democratic and state rights groups, and sponsored by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, was held 11-12 October. It was attended by 32 representatives from various organizations among whom were

Teddy Buri,	President,	Member of Parliament Union;
Mg Mg Latt,	Secretary,	MPU;
Soe Aung,	Foreign Affairs Committee,	NCUB
Dr. Sann Aung,		National Coalition Government (NCGUB);
Dr. Naing Aung,		NCUB;
Doh Say,		Karenni National Progress Party;
Khin Maung Win,		Burma Lawyers Council;
Sai Win Pay,		MPU; and
Sai Htoon,	Vice President,	Shan Democratic Union.

The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Peter Vale and Dr. Jeremy Sarkin from the University of the Western Cape, South Africa, who led the discussions on the following topics:

3 stages of change in South Africa; · International situation that influenced changes in South Africa;· Identifying future scenarios;

Institutions and Constitution;
Non-governmental institutions and Civil Society; and
Transitional Justice.

Professor Vale told his audience that everything said by him and Professor. Sarkin was not meant to be "prescriptive," but rather as a stimulant for creative thinking. "South Africa's not the only model," he said.

"15 years ago, South Africa was a basket case. People said these people would never negotiate. So don't lock yourself into a corner (with your long-held notions). "

Sarkin agreed. "That way, you'll be stuck outside and they (the junta) will be stuck inside. And there'll be no change."

They however conceded that "this is your show. You have to run it the way you want to run it."

Some passages:

We have the highest number of women in the cabinet---- 8 among 30. One-third of the parliamentarians are also women. (Vale)
In 10 years time, the 1990 election results will be 20 years old. What are you going to do then? (Vale)
Sanctions are blunt instruments. They may bring change as in South Africa. But they also hurt the people….. One that made all the difference was the financial sanction imposed not by governments but by banks… (Vale)
Bringing Burma to the internet is one of the finest achievements. (Vale)
Even children participated in the constitutional process by issuing joint statements of demands. (Sarkin)
Keep on struggling and struggle together (Norwegian Embassy official)

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Dissidents examine South African model