Suu Kyi, Army Chief Hold Third Meeting in Naypyidaw

By The Irrawaddy 17 February 2016

RANGOON — Burma Army chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing met with National League for Democracy (NLD) chairwoman Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday afternoon in Naypyidaw, the pair’s third known dialogue since last November’s general election.

Also present at Wednesday’s meeting was the head of military security affairs Lt-Gen Mya Tun Oo, alongside Lt-Gen Ye Aung, who represented the Burma Army during peace talks with ethnic armed groups. NLD central committee member Zaw Myint Maung and Suu Kyi’s personal physician Dr. Tin Myo Win also joined the dialogue, according to the office of the commander-in-chief.

“The two sides frankly discussed matters related to the rule of law and approaches to be taken to build permanent peace,” read a typically brief statement on the over one hour meeting issued by the commander-in-chief’s office.

After the election, Suu Kyi and Min Aung Hlaing met in December and again on Jan. 25.

With the military controlling three powerful ministries and a quarter of legislative seats, relations between Suu Kyi and the army chief are seen as crucial. A new NLD-led government will assume power on April 1.

The NLD won nearly 80 percent of seats contested in November and commands a sufficient majority to select the country’s next president.

With Suu Kyi constitutionally barred from the position, much speculation has centered on whether the clause may be sidestepped, with the cooperation of the military.