Dear McCartan:

Thank you so much for your latest piece "Ethnic peace key to Myanmar reform" in Asia Times. I think the West and as well, ASEAN are trying to look the other way, concerning the just struggle of the non-Burman ethnic groups. At times, it seems to me like a song "Tell me lie, tell me sweet little lie", which the international community like to hear from the Burmese military. I could understand that the West and international community are exhausted and frustrated and would like to see positive result, even if this is fake or half-truth.

The business people all over, especially the West, are only interested to tap in the last remaing, emerging market by all means and a semblence of democracy or half-baked ceasefire will do for them. It is as simple as that.

The key to reconciliation is as you said to tackle the ethnic conflict issue earnestly. Otherwise, Burma is still a long way off from real lasting solution.

Best,

Sai Wansai