Dissidents want Suu Kyi released before election PDF  | Print |  E-mail
News - Mizzima News
Report by Myint Maung   
Friday, 29 January 2010 13:23


The release of detained Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi before the 2010 election along with the initiation of a dialogue for national reconciliation is the talk of local political dissidents.

The response follows a speech by Major General Maung Oo, Minister for Home Affairs, in Kyaukpadaun, Mandalay, on Thursday, saying she would be released in November this year.

“According to Maj. General Maung Oo who said that the release would happen in November, it means no release before November. We demand they release her before November and to start a dialogue as demanded in our Shwegonedaing Statement. The dialogue is necessary,” Win Tin, one of the leaders of the National League for Democracy (NLD) told Mizzima.

NLD party representatives issued the Shwegonedaing Statement in late April 2009.

Win Tin said Burma’s political crisis could be overcome if dialogue between Aung San Suu Kyi and army leader General Than Shwe was commenced. But he also believes there is no chance for dialogue if she is released only after the election.

Veteran politician Thakin Chan Tun added it would be difficult to consider a fair election if she were released after the fact.

“It is necessary to release (Daw) Aung San Suu Kyi and allow her to participate in the election as well as to release all political prisoners,” said Thakin Chan Tun.

“Daw Suu is aware of ethnic affairs. She has had experience in working with ethnic nationalities. She has been a coordinator between ethnic communities and the NLD. Besides, she’s the person who has support from international community. So, if she is released earlier, the international pressure can be reduced,” furthered Win Tin.

Cho Cho Kyaw Nyein, Secretary General of the United Democratic Party (UDP), shares the same attitude.

“If Ma Suu (Aung San Suu Kyi) is released tomorrow, I’ll be pleased. If today, I’ll be pleased more. I want all political prisoners to be released. I don’t want them to stay one more day in prison. She has started to offer the Senior General her cooperation. I am aware of the fact that she will cooperate as much as she can for the sake of our nation,” Cho Cho Kyaw Nyein told Mizzima.

Aung San Suu Kyi previously sent a letter to Burma’s military leader seeking a face-to-face meeting and offering her assistance in the lifting of Western sanctions. To date there has been no positive response to the request.

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