August 29: The British ambassador in Rangoon, on 29 August, met Burma’s main opposition party, the National League for Democracy (NLD) leaders to clarify matters relating to the conference on the future of Burma, to be held at Wilton Park in southern England.

The ambassador explained that no political matter will be discussed but only social and economical problems will be concentrated on, and urged the NLD to send representatives to the conference.

NLD spokesman U Lwin told DVB that the problems of Burma could not be solved without tackling political problems first. When asked about the US-led economic sanctions on Burma, Lwin said that Burma’s current problems started with the mismanagement of the country’s economy by Gen Ne Win’s government and lack of political stability, rather than sanctions on Burma.

The conference, organised by renowned Wilton Park Academic Council will be held from 4 to 6 September.