Q&A: Myanmar and the death of Tin Oo
A week ago, the fourth highest-ranking official in Myanmar's military government -- Lt. Gen. Tin Oo -- was killed in a helicopter crash, along with 15 others.
In the government's first interview since the tragedy, Deputy Foreign Minister Khin Maung Win tells CNN's John Raedler about Myanmar’s reaction to the death of the man who had the title "Secretary Two" in the State Peace and Development Council, as the government is known.
On Tuesday, Raedler will talk to Khin Maung Win about the government's ongoing dialogue with pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Q: Describe for us the public reaction in Myanmar to the death of Lt. Gen Tin Oo.
Khin Maung Win: Ah, as “Secretary Two”, you know he had visited all over the country. And he has been in the service of the nation for so long. And he was involved not only in matters of defense, but in nation building and in development works. So he was very popular, with the people. So, his death was greatly felt by the entire people. It was a great loss to the nation. And everybody felt, and everybody moaned -- particularly because of the tragic circumstances in which his death took place.
Q: Could you tell us about those circumstances?
Khin Maung Win: On this particular trip he was making to the south of our country. And he was proceeding from Moulmein to Pa-an on a helicopter. But on the way, suddenly the weather deteriorated and there was fog and mist. And because of the inclement weather the helicopter had to go lower, down to the ground, in order to -- you know he was following, actually following the river, trying to reach Pa-an and I think it was the mist and the fog and you know the loss of visibility which caused the crash.
Q: There were reports that it was mechanical failure?
Khin Maung Win: Well I think it was more due to weather than to mechanical failure.
Q:There were also reports it might have been brought down by insurgent groups?
Khin Maung Win: Well actually you know of course when something like this happens there are many speculations. But let me assure you that this was not the case. Because the area in which they were flying over is a peaceful area. There are no insurgents in those areas. So there is no truth whatever to these assertions.
Q: There were also reports, sir, that this might have been some sort of inside job -- an assassination?
Khin Maung Win: Ah, these are some of the very wild speculations that have been going on. But let me assure you that this, the crash of the helicopter was entirely due to the weather and it was in no way involved in foul play.
Q: Let's look to the future, sir, how does the SPDC (government) go about replacing Secretary Two?
Khin Maung Win: Well you know SPDC is an institutionalized organization. And of course as any organization it has to be prepared for any contingency. And of course when one comrade falls of course there must be someone who will succeed him, because there must be someone who will take on his responsibilities. And of course this will be done in due course because you know the work must go on.
Q: So is there somebody in line to follow him, who will automatically go into that position? Or how is it done?
Khin Maung Win: Well there are certain procedures to be followed in this matter. So at the moment you know I would not like to go into further details about this.
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