The Walking Drum, by Louis L’Amour, on Compromise

On my way out to Mingladon, I call upon two friends, each of whom learns less from me than I from them. As usual.

U Aung Min, former chief negotiator

• Political parties, elected or not, should be invited to participate in the political dialogue. It is in line with Daw Suu’s Inclusiveness and national reconciliation policy.
• Participation of CSOs, other than those officially registered, should also be considered
• My success, modest though it may be, came from two things:

One, I took calculated risks.

Two, I didn’t wait for my mandate.

In fact, I asked for it.

I hope Dr Tin Myo Win does the same.

Sai Nyunt Lwin, General Secretary,
Shan Nationalities League for Democracy

• The Committee for Shan State Unity (CSSU) (which the SNLD has taken over in March as its rotating chair), will be holding a 19-party meeting on 30-31 May under the title, “Whither Peace?” All parties active in Shan State, including the NLD and the USDP, will be invited. The likely venue is Taunggyi. (N.B. He later told News Eleven the choice is between Taunggyi and Lashio)
• The peace process, under the leadership of the quasi-military government, was tough. But at least there was some give-and-take I hope it will be smoother under the new government. That there be no accusations like being anti-democracy or committing hostile acts to the state.

Well, making peace with others has never been an easy matter, I say to myself. There are questions of trust, funding, power etc, and of who gets more and who gets less involved.

As for myself, I’m just happy to be of help. My problem has never been with others, but only with myself. But I think I know the solution and I’m still struggling with it.

At 11:00, I’m at Mingladon.

At 14:30, I’m back in Chiangmai.