Ceasefire leader General keeps General happy

Ceasefire leader General keeps General happy

A Shan leader whose group enjoys a ceasefire agreement with Rangoon told S.H.A.N. recently through a telephone interview that Gen. Maung Aye, slated to become the next chairman of the ruling military council, appeared to be satisfied with the power-sharing arrangements made by Gen. Khin Nyunt. 

The Shan leader, who was not anxious to be named, conceding there were differences between Khin Nyunt, the powerful military intelligence chief and Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council, and the Maung Aye-Tin Oo clique, said "Both nevertheless know they have to stand together in order to survive, and Gen. Khin Nyunt has been smart enough to keep his rivals sweet by his seemly magnanimity." 

Gen. Maung Aye, designated heir-apparent to Senior Gen. Than Shwe, the current office holder, had often made it quite clear he did not cherish the idea of becoming a mere "figurehead." 
"According to inside sources I know, the deal made between the two is that Maung Aye will be handling the military and economic affairs while Khin Nyunt manages the political affairs", said the Shan commander. 

"So I don't think there'll be any falling-out with each other as long as the deal is in place". 

Gen. Khin Nyunt himself had lately disclaimed rumors of split between the two factions. 

"However, it may be a different picture, once foreign pressure is lifted."