Coinciding with his first return trip to Burma since his forced exile in 1963, Euro Burma Office (EBO) director Sao Harn Yawnghwe has released a statement in the interest of dispelling rumors surrounding the trip’s purpose.
While the rumors vary in accusation, Yawnghwe has insisted that the purpose of his trip is simply a private visit, with no fixed political agenda. He has, however, also included in his statement that he is open to meeting with anyone who wants to see him.
Relocated from Burma at the age of 15 as the son of Sao Shwe Thaike, the first president of Republic of the Union of Burma (1948-1952) Harn Yawnghwe has long been heavily involved in the international community’s pro democracy effort for Burma, and one of the movement’s most visible figures.
Unsubstantiated rumors that have circulated about possible motivations for his current trip include negotiation meetings for armed opposition groups, the selling of information from opposition groups to the government, and personal business interests. No evidence has materialized to back these rumored motivations.
Sao Harn was to visit his birthplace and town that he shares a name with, Yanwnghwe on Monday. He and his daughter will return on Friday, 28 October.
