But even that threat may not be enough to force change. International pariah status and economic sanctions have hurt Burma, but the military remains deeply entrenched and faces little fear of a broad anti-government uprising. The generals have grown comfortably rich, while the majority of the population remains mired in poverty. . Even if the secret talks do make progress, many in Rangoon remain skeptical the two sides could share power in any substantive way. . Burma's numerous ethnic minorities further complicate any possible rapprochement.
Many minority groups are armed and already govern themselves with varying autonomy.
Up to now, these groups have been willing to await the outcome of talks between the military government and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, but they cannot remain sidelined forever. . As for Kyaw Thaung, he still sees the talks as Burma's best hope for the future. . Khin Nyunt, who is First Secretary of the Myanmar State Peace and Development Council, made the remarks at a coordination meeting here on Wednesday of holding country's 9th Annual Traditional Performing Arts Competitions, official newspaper The New Light of Myanmar reported Thursday. Khin Nyunt, who is also patron of the Leading Organizing Committee of the Competitions, charged that in the process of globalization, some big nations, which are enjoying economic and technological advantage, are trying to dominate the small nations politically, economically and culturally to shape them as they wish. He warned that in the nations where vitalization of national spirit is weak, the traditions and culture are vanishing among the youths, saying that the situation is becoming uncontrollable as some big nations are exporting their ideology and social system to them.