DASSK and NLD Members Hold Discussion Prior to Meeting with Junta

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma

U Nyan Win, a spokesman for National League for Democracy, Friday said that a meeting was held between 3 NLD members and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, from about 130 to 230pm at a government guest house. The discussion focussed on the four conditions that the junta imposed in order to stage two-party dialogue, said U Nyan Win. In addition, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi met with junta-appointed liaison minister, Aung Kyi, twice Friday afternoon.

DVB finds out more about details of the meetings and the future of the country in an interview with U Nyan Win.

UNW: Daw Aung San Su Kyi met with three members of the NLD this afternoon from about 1pm at a building in the compound of the government guest residence. The members are namely, Chairman U Aung Shwe, Secretary General U Lwin, and U Nyunt Wai. The meeting lasted for about two hours. They addressed the role and the direction of NLD in bringing about national reconciliation, in detail.

DVB: Could you share the details?
UNW: The discussion was mainly about the conditions, or requirements, imposed by junta. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has earlier decided to discuss these four conditions with NLD members before making any comments. The outcome of this discussion will influence her communication with the liaison minister.

DVB: Among the four conditions, there are conditions beyond Daw Aung San Su Kyi's control. So if you are going to make some compromises, what will be the compromise?
UNW: This has been discussed in the meeting. However, I'm unable to tell you now as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi herself has yet to speak out.

DVB: We received information that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi also met with the liaison minister? Were you (NLD members) in that meeting as well?
UNW: No. It was a separate meeting. We think it was after our meeting with her.

DVB: Do you have any information on what was discussed during that meeting?
UNW: No.

DVB: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi released a statement through UN Envoy, Mr Gambari. How does NLD feel about the contents of the statement?
UNW: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has explained the contents to the members, and on our part, we agree with what she had said.

DVB: In the statement, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said that it is crucial for everyone, including the ethic groups, to be united. So can we presume that issues relating to ethinic minorities will be also be taken into consideration in the dialogue? From an early point?
UNW: We plan to incorporate the concerns of ethnic groups in our dialogue. We have drawn up some plans regarding the issues currently facing ethnic groups. We will inform the public when these plans have been put into action.

DVB: Many of the political parties representing ethnic groups have been made to disband. So, at this point in time, among ethnic leaders, whom do you hope to include in the dialogue?
UNW: We will propose to include those who are true representative of their peoples. In addition, we will hold discussions with foreign-based groups and we intend to take their suggestions and concerns seriously.

DVB: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has said earlier that negotiations should be got over with and real dialogue should start as soon as possible. What is your opinion on the current situation?
UNW: We believe that junta is serious about holding dialogue with us, and so we will carry on in order to achieve our objective.

DVB: During the second trip of Mr Gambari, the response from junta has been lukewarm. Analysts are also suspicious over the real intention of junta. What is your view?
UNW: Our meeting only focussed on important issues. We will not condemn nor start a verbal war with the other party. We will continue doing our job; what is to be done.