Myanmar's Ne Win arrives here today<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Myanmar's former leader Ne Win arrives here this
\nafternoon as President Soeharto's private guest.<\/p>\n
In this three-day visit, the retired general will be
\naccompanied by his physician daughter Dan Khin Win, his son-in-
\nlaw U Aye Zaw Win and his grandchild Maung Kyaw Ne Win.<\/p>\n
"This visit is to fulfill the President's long-standing
\ninvitation," Minister\/State Secretary Moerdiono said yesterday.<\/p>\n
The two old friends last met in Yangon in February when
\nSoeharto paid a state visit to the country.<\/p>\n
Born on May 14, 1911, Ne Win, whose real name is Maung Shu
\nMaung, attended a military college in Tokyo in 1941.<\/p>\n
After returning home, he made a name for himself as one of the
\nfounding members of the Thirty Comrades organization, which
\nfought against colonialism in the country. This group later
\nevolved to become the nucleus of the National Army.<\/p>\n
It was around that time that he changed his name to Ne Win,
\nmeaning "The Sun in Glory".<\/p>\n
His efforts helped the country gain independence from Britain.<\/p>\n
In 1958 Ne Win became prime minister, but his term lasted a
\nbrief 18 months.<\/p>\n
In March 1962, he again became prime minister. Then in 1974
\nthe State Council elected Ne Win as president.<\/p>\n
On Nov. 9, 1981, Ne Win handed over the presidency to Army
\nGen. U San Yu for health reasons.<\/p>\n
As explained by Moerdiono, Ne Win's visit would not be filled
\nwith stately functions.<\/p>\n
"This is a familial visit to the President, and he is very
\nwilling to visit the grave of the former first lady, the late Ibu
\nTien Soeharto, in Solo," Moerdiono said after meeting with
\nSoeharto at Merdeka Palace.<\/p>\n
Tien Soeharto died in April last year.<\/p>\n
A senior government official, who preferred anonymity, said
\nyesterday that the government here was very cautious about
\narranging the visit.<\/p>\n
It does not want to give the wrong impression to Myanmar's
\ngovernment, he said while quickly adding that "the chairman of
\nthe State Law and Order Restoration Council, Gen. Than Shwe,
\nfully supports this visit". (prb)<\/p>",
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