Responses to the SPDC’s “democracy road map” : Dr. Sein Win, the PM of the NCGUB

DVB ( September 1, 2003 )

Dr Sein Win :As the first step, the plan will not be successful because the National Convention or referendum would not work without the desire and involvement of the people. The SPDC is just doing whatever it likes. It will be held responsible for the consequences of the one-side decision taking. General Than Shwe himself will be held responsible for this.

DVB : The SPDC has been attempting to revitalise the National Convention before. Could you say that the regime is stating its intention boldly now?

Dr Sein Win :It is clear. We guessed they planed earlier and made it publicly official. They started the National Convention in 1993 and it was not successful. Now, they are reconvening it and we have to ask how they are going to do it. They say nothing about it.

DVB : They are intending to hold a new election after reconvening the National Convention. That seems to suggest that they are going to ignore and annul the result of the 1990 election. What are your views?

Dr Sein Win :As I said before, it is not good. It is such a disgraceful thing for the country. The election was held by the military authority. They proposed it and they annulled it and it is a very shameful thing for them and the army because the generals gained power through the army.

DVB : What is the prospect for Burma now that the regime is becoming more hard-lined?

Dr Sein Win :It is not good for the future prospect. The country would not escape from political difficulties. Economical situation will worsen. The country will suffer. We therefore have been demanding dialogue all along.

DVB : It is clear that there could be no regime change through the dialogue. What are you planning to do from now on?

Dr Sein Win :The reason why there is no possibility through dialogue is – they have closed the door. We still have to keep on fighting for the people of Burma and for democracy.