Rangoon: 15 Arakanese youth, including two females, had the opportunity to participate in the second day of a meeting that was held with young people from around Burma and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, said Ko Kyaw, who participated in the meeting.

The second day of the two-day meeting was held on 9 February at the NLD headquarters in Bahan Township in Rangoon, with over 250 young people from several states and divisions in attendance.

Ko Kyaw said, "The meeting was useful and beneficial for all young people struggling for Burmese democracy. All young people gained strength to work for democracy after meeting with Daw Suu. We gained knowledge about how to achieve democracy in Burma."

"All young people believe that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is a key player in Burma in overcoming the political crisis, and the problems of Burma can not be solved by anybody without Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. She is not only an NLD leader but also a leader of all Burma," Ko Kyaw added.

The Arakanese youth also discussed many issues with Daw Suu related to Arakan State, including the recent condition of Cyclone Giri victims.

"We made a speech of thanks to Daw Suu for her support of Giri victims in Arakan. She also thanked people from Arakan and Chin State for cordially welcoming her when she visited in 2002," Ko Kyaw said.

In the meeting, the participating young people openly and frankly discussed several issues, including the issue of youth participation in politics, youth networks, social activities, environmental issues, the weaknesses of NGOs working under the supervision of the United Nations, educational issues, rule of law, democracy, and human rights.

About 500 youth from seven states and divisions, including Mandalay, Sagaing, Irrawaddy, and Magwe Divisions and Mon, Karen, Kachin, Arakan, and Shan States attended the meeting that was held 8 and 9 February.

At the meeting, U Tin Oo, vice chairman of the NLD, made some opening remarks to start the session. Other Central Executive Committee members also attended the meeting.

The meeting between youth and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was held so the young people of Burma could exchange views with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on many issues facing the country.