Aung San Suu Kyi Seeks Reconciliation With Military Rulers

Newly freed Burmese democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi is offering an olive branch to the country’s military regime that kept her confined for most of the last two decades.

In an exclusive interview with VOA, the 65-year-old Nobel Peace laureate said she and her supporters “are certainly not bent on clashing” with the military rulers. She added, “We hope very much that the regime will understand that clashing is not a solution to Burma’s problems.”

Aung San Suu Kyi was released from house arrest Saturday and was greeted by thousands of supporters as she emerged from her lakeside home. On Sunday, in a speech at the headquarters of her National League for Democracy party, she said freedom of speech is the cornerstone of democracy.

She said she wants to work with all democratic forces in seeking change in Burma, but that it has to be accomplished in the “right way” through discussions with the military leaders. Otherwise, she said, democratic forces will not be able to achieve their goal, “however noble or correct it may be.”

The Nobel laureate told VOA in a telephone interview that she will work to try to persuade the military government that “national reconciliation is in everybody’s interest.” She said she believes that if both sides are really willing to find a solution, they can find one. She added that they should discuss what is possible and then work on that.

Aung San Suu Kyi said she will be calling on governments and people throughout the world to find out how to work together. She said there are many things the international community could do for Burma that are practicable and reasonable. But she did not spell out what she thinks those are.

Despite making an offer to discuss national issues with the military rulers, Aung San Suu Kyi noted there have been many questions raised about the fairness of the Nov. 7 election in Burma. She said her political party has formed a committee to look into the matter and will be issuing a report very soon.

Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party won a landslide victory in Burma’s national election two decades ago, but the military rulers refused to allow it to take power.

The rulers did not allow international observers to enter Burma to watch the November 7 voting, but there were reports of punishment being meted out to those who voted against the military’s political party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party.

Dialogue with The Lady, Aung San Suu Kyi

Thursday, 18 November 2010 19:33 Mizzima News
(This interview is translated from Burmese.)

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi was released from seven year’s house arrest on November 13. Mizzima’s managing editor Sein Win spoke to her by phone four days later to receive her comments on India’s policy on Burma, using the internet and social weblogs, ethnic issues, the intrusion of John Yettaw, youth issues and women’s rights.

Firstly, I’d like to ask you about India. What do you think Indian people can do for Burmese people and the establishment of democracy in Burma?

Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi walks among residents of a National League for Democracy hospice for people living with HIV in South Dagon Township, Rangoon, handing out roses to each of them, before offering encouragement and the promise of a better medicine supply, on Wednesday, November 17, 2010. Photo: Mizzima

I think Indian citizens should learn more about Burma. Burma and India closely co-operated in fighting for independence. But currently, I think Indian citizens don’t know too much about Burma. Trying to know about Burma would clearly be the first step.

How can India’s government and parliament help Burma? What would you like to say?

This question is related to the previous one. India is a democratic country, so, as the citizens of a democratic country, if Indian people are active in supporting the establishment of democracy in Burma, India’s government will not ignore Burma. So, I want to say that Indian citizens should clearly learn more about Burma’s democracy movement as a first step. They should provide more support.

India says Burma is influenced by China. Another thing is that some say Burma should take steps towards democracy on the basis of a gradual evolution. What is your opinion regarding these issues?

This way of thinking merely concerns the relationship between China and India, not Burma’s democracy. So, we need to differentiate between the people who are thinking about the Sino-Indian relationship and the people who are seeking to establish democracy in Burma. Regarding the idea that Burma should approach democracy on the basis of gradual evolution, that’s an issue that must be decided only by us, the Burmese people.

It is said that civil war has raged in Burma for more than 60 years. And some Western governments also said Burma’s movement towards democracy should be carried out on the basis of gradual evolution. What are your thoughts on these stances?

People need to discuss that hypothesis using concrete facts. They say Burma should take gradual steps towards democracy because of continuing ethnic conflicts. On the other hand, we can say the reverse … that the continuing ethnic conflicts are the result of the lack of genuine democracy in Burma. So, it depends on the person. But, what we should think is how the current situations affect the people and what should we do for the sake of the people.

A cyclist holds a placard honouring ‘The Lady’ while awaiting the release of Aung San Suu Kyi in Rangoon, last Friday, November 12, 2010. Photo: Mizzima

By the way, how is your health?

I’m healthy but I’m very busy. I don’t have enough time even to take a breath.

I heard you and your son spoke on the phone. Did he obtain a visa to enter Burma?

The authorities have not told him whether they will issue a visa or not. So all we can do is wait.

As a mother out of contact with her sons, how do you cope with that situation?

There are many people whose situations are worse than ours. For my sons, they can live in a country that has human rights. They don’t need to worry about the cost of living. Some children don’t have enough food. Some children are homeless. Their parents cannot help them. So I don’t have the heart to say that my situation is stressful.

Many people are deeply concerned for your safety. Do you think someone may harm you?

In the past I was harmed so there is no guarantee that they will not harm me. But I should not be worried sick about it. I should not act under the feeling of insecurity. Anyway, both young people and old people take care of me. They want to protect me as much as they can. They are trying too hard to ensure my safety.

There are many rumours with regard to John Yettaw’s intrusion. What do you think about this? Was it trick of the junta?

I don’t know. I have no idea. I don’t want to have any bias … I don’t think it was a plan of the junta, but I can’t guarantee that 100 per cent. All in all, I don’t suspect junta involvement.

Many young people came to listen to your speech. What do you want to tell them and women and what do you want to do for them?

I want them to utilise that collective strength effectively. I want them to use those strengths both for the country and for their own sake, correctly and systematically. I want to help them to keep the right balance between promoting their own welfare and promoting the welfare of the nation.

Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi holds up a placard that reads, “I also Love the People”, to her supporters at the headquarters of her National League for Democracy party last Sunday, November 14, 2010, in Rangoon. The country’s democracy icon, freed from seven years of house arrest, told thousands of wildly cheering supporters that she would continue to fight for human rights and the rule of law in the military-ruled nation. Photo: Mizzima

Does ‘using strength correctly’ mean they should participate in politics?

No, I don’t mean that. I just want their strength not to be wasted. If they use their strength just for their own sake, it will not be effective for them in the long run as no one can enjoy a good life in an unpleasant environment. And I think social affairs and politics cannot be separated and every citizen should have high spirits. When I was a child, I was taught general maxims. People can be trained to have high moral values.

In recent days, fighting between the junta and ethnic armed groups broke out. What are your thoughts over those tensions? How should we deal with ethnic unrest?

As I said earlier, we don’t have the custom to solve political problems by engaging in constructive political dialogue or by using non-violent methods. I want our people to develop that custom. That’s why I choose to use the principle of non-violence. We must create a custom in which we solve the problems through political dialogue and non-violence. That’s not easy. It’ll be difficult sometimes. So, we must try to establish that custom to end the conflicts.

Today [Tuesday], we’ve heard you’ve proposed a second Panglong Conference through the use of modern communications technology. You’ve also expressed a wish to use Twitter. I’m sure our readers are very interested when you’ll be online.

I’ve got an application form to apply for internet installation. But one of the rules … to obtain a permit to gain internet access says I must not be involved in politics. Nevertheless, I’ll apply for the permit, but I’ll fill in the form saying that I’ll participate in politics. I cannot obey that rule. But I will apply for the permit and fill in the correct information on the form.

If you are denied internet use, what alternatives will you seek?

We must seek alternatives. That’s why I said we must find alternatives suited to the 21st Century. I heard about the second Panglong Conference on the radio when I was detained under house arrest. Since that time, I thought we should apply modern technology to overcome the difficulties. Our young technicians will find ways. You also can offer us advice.

You’ve said mobile phones are a novelty for you. How about the internet?

I have never used the internet but I’m computer literate … [it] will not be difficult.

Do you have any immediate plans to go to ethnic minority areas to meet them?

No, I don’t have such plans at present because I still have many things to do in Rangoon.

What is your attitude to the political parties that contested in the recent election, and if they would like to form an alliance with the NLD?

I’ve said since the day I was released that we want the people to create a democratic network for themselves. So, all must have many strong allies. Even if we cannot form alliance with everyone, we will form an alliance with anyone who has the same objectives as us. As I said earlier, we are ready to co-operate with any … of the 37 contending political parties that really have the same objectives and want to work for democracy.

What would you like to say to Mizzima reporters?

The roles of journalists are very important … Journalists can influence the country. So I want journalists to use that influence for the welfare of the people. Some journalists are trying to secure scoops and get dramatic news. That’s also fine, but they also need to do so for the welfare of the nation. I think I said after I was released from house arrest that I’d found that communications technology was playing a very important role in this era. Most people have mobile phones. So, please don’t forget that information is very important and journalists are in powerful positions. I want to request that all journalists do good things for the people … with spiritual awareness.

http://www.mizzima.com/edop/interview/4591-dialogue-with-the-lady-aung-san-suu-kyi-.html

The following is the video of above interview.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1415186071225

Suu Kyi Calls For Dialogue

2010-11-14
In an exclusive interview with RFA a day after her release, Burma's democracy icon seeks a true dialogue with the ruling military junta and pushes for freedom.


AFP

Burma's newly released opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi (R) waves to the crowd as she arrives at her National League for Democracy headquarters in Rangoon on Nov. 14, 2010.
Fresh from her release from house arrest, Burma's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has called for a dialogue with the military junta, emphasizing that her top priority was to bring democracy to the reclusive country.

In an exclusive interview with Radio Free Asia's Burmese service on Nov. 14, the 65-year-old democracy icon said she wanted to build a network using "modern communication" among people within and outside her country in the push for democracy via "people power."

She also said the generals did not impose any conditions when releasing her from house arrest on Nov. 13. She had been locked up for 15 of the past 21 years.

"For me, it's better to have a dialogue," Suu Kyi said when asked whether there was anything she would like to convey to the the military government.

"I don't want to be having a one-sided conversation. There's only one thing I want to say. I've said this from the beginning. I've said this before. 'Let's have a dialogue.' That's it.

"Only when we talk, only when we have two sides talking, will it be effective. It's not going to be effective if I just say, 'I want to say this. I want to say this,' just by myself."

Suu Kyi last met the junta leader, General Than Shwe, in secret talks in 2002 at the encouragement of the United Nations.

"Voice of the people"

The Nobel Peace Prize winner earlier spoke to a cheering crowd of several thousands who jammed the street in front of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party headquarters, causing heavy traffic congestion.

She said she wanted to "hear the voice of the people" before charting her next course of action, following controversial elections a week ago in which the junta's proxy party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) scored massive gains.

The elections have been widely criticized as a sham by Western powers and human rights groups, and opposition parties which contested the elections have complained of cheating and voter intimidation.

Suu Kyi did not directly comment on the elections in the interview but stressed the need for inclusiveness in any democratic process, saying she was impressed by the large youth turnout during her speeches and by their increasing involvement in Burmese politics.

"The best way is one where the entire people can participate as far as possible. One thing I noticed is that among those who came over, there were many young people. That is a very good sign.

"I saw our new blood, our new generation, participating in the political process actively," said the daughter of the nation's assassinated independence hero, General Aung San.

Unconditional release

Asked about her immediate plans, Suu Kyi, who also held talks with foreign diplomats and a press conference on her first full day of freedom, said, "The main thing I have in mind is for us to achieve democracy."

She also said that she was given an unconditional release from house arrest.

Asked whether the government had imposed any "limitations" on her, she said, "No, there aren't any."

Suu Kyi, known as just the "lady" among Burmese, called for increasing participation from people within and outside her country in bringing about democracy.

"By people, I am not referring only to people in our country, but also people of the world," she said.

"For us to achieve democracy, we will have to establish a network of people—a network of Burmese people, a network of people of the world. Everyone must be involved (in the process through) communication means appropriate to modern era and work for democracy.That's what I believe."

Before her release, her lawyer Nyan Win said that Suu Kyi wanted to get a Twitter account so that she can get in touch with the younger generation after years of isolation.

Suu Kyi said she had been listening to broadcasts by Radio Free Asia (RFA) in efforts to keep in touch with developments during her years of house arrest.

"For RFA, as well as other news agencies, I listen to political news as a duty. But I listen to programs on literature, poetry, and arts because I'm interested in them."

Suu Kyi also thanked world leaders for supporting her democratic struggle, when asked to comment on the deluge of messages from a wide variety of government leaders on her release from house arrest.

"People's Power"

On what she would like to particularly convey to the Burmese people, she said, "I would like to thank them first. Also, [I would like to say that] we will be able to succeed only with people's power, with people's support, with people's trust.

"I cannot do this on my own. The NLD cannot do this on its own. All of the political parties cannot do this on their own. Without people's participation, nothing can be done effectively for our country. I would like the people to participate."

Suu Kyi said that she was touched by the people's support.

"In some of the small wards I passed by, people looked very poor. But when they came out and welcomed me and waved their hands, they were all smiles.

"I thought to myself, 'Oh, our people are very warm—and very magnanimous.

"Even though they are very poor and tired, they are able to great me warmly, happily, and cheerfully. They have these powers. They are giving me strength.

"If people continue to give us such strength, we in turn will strengthen the people. If we join hands and help each other, I believe we will be successful."

Interview with Aung San Suu Kyi was conducted by Kyaw Kyaw Aung of Radio Free Asia's Burmese Service. Translation by Than Than Win, Kyaw Min Htun, and Khin Maung Soe. Written in English by Parameswaran Ponnudurai.


Copyright © 1998-2010 Radio Free Asia. All rights reserved.

Suu Kyi says recent Burma election 'flawed'

Fights to help her party regain legal status
Last Updated: Tuesday, November 16, 2010 | 4:45 PM ET
CBC News
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO INTERVIEW by clicking the play button on the photo below, or visit The Current's website to hear the interview.

AUDIO:In her first Canadian interview, pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi speaks with The Current after her release in Burma.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi says the recent election in Burma was "greatly flawed" and she will keep pushing for change in her country now that she's been released from house arrest.

Full results have yet to be released for the recent election in Burma — the first elections in 20 years in the country, which is also known as Myanmar.

But initial figures give the main military-backed party a solid majority, a result decried by many observers who say the election was a sham.

Suu Kyi, 65, told Anna Maria Tremonti, host of CBC's The Current, that it is widely known that the "elections were greatly flawed," despite official claims the elections were a success.

The 1991 Nobel laureate and devout Buddhist has promoted a non-violent movement for democracy in Burma, which has been ruled by the military since 1962.

She was released Saturday, after spending more than seven continuous years under house arrest. After her release, she told the BBC she was hoping for a "non-violent revolution."

"A revolution simply means a great change — that is how I'm defining it. And we do need great changes in Burma, and I would like to bring it about through non-violent means."

Myanmar's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, centre, is greeted by supporters at her National League for Democracy's party headquarters in Rangoon on Monday. (Reuters)

She said she is eager to hear the views of Burmese people, though she conceded she is still making adjustments after spending 15 of the last 21 years under house arrest.

"I think spending so many hours a day now working with other people is a little strange, because years and years I've been on my own every day," she said.

"If you want democracy, you've got to be prepared to accept the responsibilities of democracy — you can't simply ask for the rights of democracy. And if you're talking about government of the people, for the people, by the people, the people have to be actively involved."

She said she hopes to sit down with generals to talk about possible solutions, and said she's not worried about the possibility that she'll be arrested again.

"I do what I can while I'm free," she said. "If they arrest me again, then I'll do what I can while I'm under arrest."

Meanwhile, Burma's military government warned Tuesday against filing complaints over the Nov. 7 election.

The official Union Election Commission warned that political parties making fraudulent complaints about the polls can face harsh legal punishment.

Suu Kyi had previously said she would work with members of her party, the National League for Democracy, to investigate allegations of election fraud.

She later said that while her party plans to issue a report, it has no plans to protest the results of the elections as it didn't take part.

Since her Saturday release, Suu Kyi has shuttled between her lakeside home and the headquarters of her National League for Democracy party. She filed an affidavit with the court as part of an effort to overturn the party's dissolution.
Suu Kyi a legal offensive Tuesday, filing a document with the country's High Court to have her political party reinstated after the junta disbanded it earlier this year.

"I am challenging the decision of the authorities that they can dissolve our party just like this, because this is against the law," she said.

The party was disbanded for failing to reregister after choosing not to take part in the election, complaining conditions set by the junta were unfair and undemocratic.

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2010/11/16/aung-san-suu-kyi.html#ixzz15UI1Ob8Ahttp://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2010/11/16/aung-san-suu-kyi.html