Dialog in vermintem Gelände. Die Gespräche zwischen der Militärjunta und der Opposition in Myanmar

Abstract The article attempts to analyse the talks that were made public in January 2001. It argues that the dialogue is a result of the 10 years political deadlock that has frustrated both sides and endangered their credibility and legitimacy. Both Khin Nyunt and Aung San Suu Kyi, the well known representatives of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) and the National League of Democracy (NLD) respectively, derive their legitimisation from Aung San and thus share a common ground of Burman political culture. This opens the possibility of a compromise that could lead to a transition towards a more civil society in Myanmar. On the other hand, this very factor must provoke the suspicion of the non-Burman groups as well as of factions inside the organisations represented by the two leaders that may endanger the success of the process of national reconciliation.