Buddhists don't kill

For the past 45 years that is the most devastating thing for the country. And how do they get the common soldiers and the rank and file to shoot and harm? By indoctrination and brain washing. Early on I still remember the huge bill boards all over the country saying "Soldier you will not die. If you die you will not go to hell." Which probably play an enormous part in programming the military into this image of invincibility and gives false credibility into using force. For the common Buddhists in the country the hellish realm is the last thing a good Buddhist would like to go after death.

There is also the prevalent idea of Burmese nationalism which supercedes the teachings of Buddhism. The rigid discipline and regimentation has a very powerful effect diluting the influence of Buddhism on the individual soldier.

Actually Buddhists don't kill; only soldiers who appear to be Buddhists do.

- By Myat Thu Pan, Mizzima News

In a surprise development the UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari today met detained Burmese pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Rangoon.

The visiting envoy met the Burmese Nobel Peace Laureate for ninety minutes at the State guest house in Rangoon.

The UN envoy, who led a three-member delegation, met the Burmese opposition leader on his return from Nay Pyi Taw after a meeting with Burma's military officials on Sunday.

The acting Prime Minister and Secretary 1, Lieutenant-General Thein Sein, Information minister Brigadier General Kyaw San, Cultural minister Major General Khin Aung Myint and Deputy Foreign Minister U Kyaw Thu met the UN envoy.

Than Shwe, the hard-line junta leader passed the message to the UN envoy that the Road Map would be finalized within one and-a-half years, sources said.

Small groups of pro-democracy protesters ventured onto the streets of Rangoon on Sunday but were chased away by troops as United Nations Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari held talks with Burmese military leaders.

Mr Gambari arrived in Rangoon after an overnight stay in Naypyidaw, the Burmese capital.

One opposition Web site, Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com), reported on activities in the northern part of the country in the city of Mandalay on Sunday afternoon. Click here to see www.mizzima.com