Nov 9, 2007 (DVB), Detained democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has welcomed the possibility of dialogue and urged constructive engagement on all sides, in a statement read by United Nations envoy Ibrahim Gambari.
Gambari read the statement on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s behalf from Singapore yesterday after leaving Burma at the end of his six-day mission.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi welcomed the appointment of Aung Kyi as the regime's minister for relations, saying that their first meeting was constructive, but called for direct negotiation with the ruling State Peace and Development Council.
"I expect that this phase of preliminary consultations [with Aung Kyi] will conclude soon so that a meaningful and timebound dialogue with the SPDC leadership can start as early as possible," she said.
She emphasised her commitment to genuine dialogue and said she would be guided by the interests and policies of her party, but would also take into account the views of other political groups, particularly ethnic nationalities.
"I am committed to pursue the path of dialogue constructively and invite the Government and all relevant parties to join me in this spirit," she said.
According to Burmese state media, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will meet Aung Kyi again tomorrow, and will also be allowed to meet the members of the NLD Central Executive Committee on the same day.
The full text of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's statement is as follows:
"I wish to thank all those who have stood by my side all this time, both inside and outside my country. I am also grateful to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, for his unwavering support for the cause of national reconciliation, democracy and human rights in my country.
"I welcome the appointment on 8 October of Minister Aung Kyi as Minister for Relations. Our first meeting on 25 October was constructive and I look forward to further regular discussions. I expect that this phase of preliminary consultations will conclude soon so that a meaningful and timebound dialogue with the SPDC leadership can start as early as possible.
"In the interest of the nation, I stand ready to cooperate with the Government in order to make this process of dialogue a success and welcome the necessary good offices role of the United Nations to help facilitate our efforts in this regard.
"In full awareness of the essential role of political parties in democratic societies, in deep appreciation of the sacrifices of the members of my party and in my position as General Secretary, I will be guided by the policies and wishes of the National League for Democracy. However, in this time of vital need for democratic solidarity and national unity, it is my duty to give constant and serious considerations to the interests and opinions of as broad a range of political organizations and forces as possible, in particular those of our ethnic nationality races.
"To that end, I am committed to pursue the path of dialogue constructively and invite the Government and all relevant parties to join me in this spirit.
"I believe that stability, prosperity and democracy for my country, living at peace with itself and with full respect for human rights, offers the best prospect for my country to fully contribute to the development and stability of the region in close partnership with its neighbours and fellow ASEAN members, and to play a positive role as a respected member of the international community."
Reporting by DVB
