The Burmese junta's diplomatic dance (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Andrew Harding
BBC Asia correspondent

Burma's senior generals must know the dance moves by heart.

Four steps back, then two steps forward. Call it the junta jive.

They have been sticking to the same negotiating routine for almost two decades now - shrugging aside each attempt by the international community to coax them into trying something a little more progressive.

So where does this week's visit to Burma by the UN's envoy, Ibrahim Gambari, fit into this ponderous dance floor diplomacy?

It is tempting - and usually safe - to assume the worst about Burma's inflexible rulers.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7086709.stm