Text of report by Norway-based Burmese Democratic Voice of Burma on 5 December

DVB: 05 December, 2006

Presenter: We would now like to report an interesting news story about how Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) Correspondent Ko Khin Maung Soe Min tried to interview General Shwe Mann of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) this morning,

India and Burma jointly held a motor rally from New Delhi to Rangoon with the aim of promoting friendship between the two armed forces. The cars in the rally were driven by armed forces personnel from the two countries.

The rally was attended on the Burmese side by Gen Shwe Mann and the Indian side was represented by the Defence Minister and the Armed Forces commander in Chief. DVB Correspondent Ko Khin Maung Soe Min was there in person to cover the event. So, let's listen now to the questions the DVB correspondent asked and the answers he received from Gen Shwe Mann.

DVB:  Twelve modern jeeps, which were taking part in the rally, could be seen parked in a row in the vacant lot at Indian Gate in the centre of New Delhi. Forty-two Indian and Burmese drivers from the respective armed forces wearing similar caps and blue uniforms could also be seen there. I approached the Burmese team leaders Lt-Col Sein Than and Maj Tun Tun and they had this to say:

Unidentified Burmese officer: We did not bring the cars it was arranged for us by the Indian side. Perhaps, the car manufacturers in India wanted to advertise their cars. There are 12 members in our team. The drive in this country will be on the left hand side, it will be changed to the right side when we drive in our country. There might be some problems when the cars are driven in the city. In our country, I believe the roads will be cleared for us when we enter the cities. India will not clear the way but they will provide us with leading escorts and all we have to do is follow them.

DVB: It was just announced that the programme includes Indian soldiers stopping over at the Htaukkyant War Cemetery - the final destination in Burma - to salute the fallen. May I know why no arrangement was made to pay respects at the Martyrs Mausoleum to the father of the Burmese Armed Forces Gen Aung San [father of Aung San Suu Kyi]?

Unidentified Burmese officer: Their side did not demand that, so we did not arrange for that.

DVB: Did your side suggest that it is a place to visit?

Unidentified Burmese officer: No, we did not.

DVB: At the rally, I could see India's Defence Minister Shri Anthony and Army Commander in Chief Gen J. J. Singh, and high-ranking military officers coming to the front of the vacant lot at Indian Gate where the ceremony would be held. Soon after, SPDC's Gen Shwe Mann and officials from the SPDC Military Attache's Office wearing full uniform also arrived. Army Chief Gen J. J. Singh gave the opening speech. [Army Chief's speech in English, fading into Burmese language] Our message for the car rally is that we are wishing them all the best. The reason for holding the rally is to strengthen friendship between the two armed forces. Furthermore, the Burmese Army has agreed to conduct joint operations to deprive hiding places to insurgents taking refuge in the common border areas.

DVB:  Following the speech, the Indian Defence Minister, the Indian commander in Chief, and SPDC's Gen Shwe Mann jointly ascended the podium to flag the start of the rally. As SPDC's Gen Shwe Mann came down from the podium, I stood in his way and quickly asked him this question.

DVB: When are you going to release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi?

Unidentified person speaking in English:  No, No, No, No, No! No, No, don't do that.

DVB:  As my action took SPDC's Gen Shwe Mann by surprise, the information officer of the Indian Armed Forces, Col Sarkuja, ran straight towards me and stopped me. Gen Shwe Mann did not utter a word at today's function and prevented journalists from getting close to him.The cars in the rally that left New Delhi will be crossing different states in India and enter Burma through the Moreh-Tamu road. They will turn back once they reach the Cemetery of the Allied Forces at Htaukkyant in Burma and arrive back in New Delhi on 29 December.Source: Democratic Voice of Burma, Oslo, in Burmese 1430 gmt 5 Dec 06