Diplomacy is a different ball game altogether. Even in the time of war, two
antipodal forces maintain such ties till the last possible moment. Even after
that the bridge is not always burnt. There are no permanent enemies or friends
in that sphere.
Ram Sarangapani <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >****What leaves me curious about
is if GoI was aware of Burma's military >dictatorship's activities spanning
decades, as relates to its people's democratic >aspirations, and how it fit
with India's own dedication to democracy?
C'da, just couldn't resist. Yes, India is a democracy, and it has known of
Burma's dictatorship for decades. It has also known of the Ayotollas in Tehran,
the commies in China, and of Fidel in Cuba. What about Pakistan, where, one
would think, most would love India wiped out. And what about Bangladesh, which
is not very India friendly?
Do you suggest that India severe all ties with such countries? After all,
there are people in all these countries seeking democratic aspirations.
The US and every other democratic country have always had relationships (at
least tolerated) with countries that really do not hold the same values. What
about the US and Venezuela? Should the US severe that relationship, because
there too millions seek democratic aspirations.?
Like, every other democratic country, India is no different. It can, and
should, maintain relationships with other countries (even the not friendly ones
or those run by dictators) at different levels.
I am surprised, you seem to be saying "if you are not with us, then you must
be against us" :)
--Ram
On 10/4/07, Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Greetings Goswami.
It is heartwarming to see Kharkhowa xangbadik xokolor utkontha ( Assamese
journalist's concerns) about the Burmese people's struggles for democratic
rights.
And my Kharkhowa heart glows with pride with the powerful stance you all
took in support of democratic values by urging ----
">---- the Government of India to create diplomatic pressure on the Burmese
junta to refrain from >repressive measures against those carrying on the
democracy movement in the country."
That ought to leave no doubt on how committed you all are to democratic
values.
More so in view of the following that appeared in your paper, the AT,
obviously with a sense of relish
( note the highlighted parts) some months back:
<http://www.assamtribune.com/> http://www.assamtribune.com/ 6 October 2006
>From Our Spl Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Oct 5 - Notwithstanding the setback in the ULFA peace process, the
Centre is unwilling to write off the peace process and has held out fresh hope
by indicating that it was still willing to stop Army operations, if the outfit
responded positively. The Centre' latest gambit came from National Security
Adviser, MK Narayanan, who told newsmen here today that he was willing to call
off the Army operations, if ULFA comes for talks.
The NSA was responding to news reports, which quoted ULFA's mouthpiece Freedom
as having said that the outfit was still open to finding a 'political solution'
to the insurgency in Asom.
Replying to a query, he said that he was unaware about ULFA's statement. "But,
if it is true then it is most welcome. I will stop operation if they come," he
added.
The NSA had come to the Ministry of Home Affairs to take a meeting on the
internal security.
In the latest issue of its mouthpiece, the ULFA said it was, "still hopeful of
a political solution and it would respond to any such efforts initiated by the
Centre through the PCG". The mouthpiece said it was confident that the PCG
would work for bringing about a "political solution".
ULFA's latest threat to target Congressmen in the State, as well as the sudden
end to the peace process has the Centre thinking. The UPA Government at the
Centre, which was hoping for a breakthrough, is upset at the breakdown of the
peace process. Politically, the UPA may not find much support among its allies,
with the CPI-M already stating it wanted the peace process to continue.
The reluctance on part of ULFA to commit in writing, unabated extortions and
growing belligerence of the outfit coupled with stern warning from Army and
intelligence agencies forced the Centre to call off the suspension of operation
on September 24. Subsequently, the PCG also pulled out of the peace process.
The development may be significant, because it comes at a time when the
Centre is bracing up to intensify operations against ULFA and by all
indications, a coordinated operation with Myanmar Army may be in the offing.
Last evening, as reported today, a high level meeting chaired by Cabinet
Secretary, BK Chaturvedi and attended by top brass of the three services,
intelligence officials, was held at South Block to take stock of the internal
security situation including Army operations in Asom.
Government of India has decided to provide all assistance to Myanmar Army, as
the neighbouring country was willing to help India. Significantly, Defence
Secretary Shekhar Dutta had last month paid a quiet visit to Myanmar to discuss
the demand for weapons. He briefed the meeting about the outcome of his visit.
****What leaves me curious about is if GoI was aware of Burma's military
dictatorship's activities spanning decades, as relates to its people's
democratic aspirations, and how it fit with India's own dedication to
democracy? And the ATs too?
Any ideas?
Best.
cm
At 1:29 PM +0100 10/4/07, ranenkumar goswami wrote:
Newsmen's support to Burmese cause Guwahati, October 4: The Journalists'
Forum, Assam on Thursday urged the Government of India to create
diplomatic pressure on the Burmese junta to refrain
from repressive measures against those carrying on the democracy movement in
the country.
In a meeting at the Guwahati Press Club with JFA
president Rupam Baruah in chair, the newsmen's body
asked the Union Government not to remain silent on the
happenings in the neighbouring country and do the
needful within its powers to facilitate a peaceful
transition to democracy.
Extending its whole-hearted support to the
movement, the Forum demanded that Aung San Suu Kyi,
the globally recognized pro-democracy leader, be
immediately released from the prolonged detention she
is being made to undergo. It deplored the brutal
killing of protesting citizens including one foreign
journalist.
The meeting expressed its solidarity with the
proposed Global Action Day for Free Burma to be
observed on October 6.
The meeting was addressed among others by Dr
Amalendu Guha, Hemanta Barman, Dr Abdul Mannan,
Nilamoni Sen Deka, Hiten Mahanta, Nava Thakuria,
Jayanta Gogoi, Jawaharlal Saha and Satish Tahbildar.
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