Burma’s President Thein Sein said the world was amazed by Burma’s program of democratic reforms in 2012, and called on the people of Burma to join hands with the government in working toward a fruitful future.
Speaking to the nation in a New Year’s address on the radio, Thein Sein said, “The most important ingredient for success of Myanmar’s democratic transition is the mutual trust between the government and the people.’
He spoke of people’s hopes and aspirations, but did not broach the subject of the ongoing conflict in Kachin State and northern Shan State, nor address the recent wave of protests at various sites across the country.
“Popular expectations have soared as reforms in the previous year brought about political developments,” he said.
“What the esteemed people and our government need to be conscious of is the gap between demand of the people and capacity of our government. I firmly believe that our efforts are bound to narrow it.”
The President continued: “The most important thing for the entire society is to shape the promising future through ongoing reform processes. Only a response on a mature consideration to the free and transparent situation could help us achieve our common goal. The onus is on all of us to strive for flourishing of realistic positive attitude and negotiated political culture without taking an extreme view in facing possible challenges ahead.”
