NCGUB leader says dialogue inevitable

DVB ( 27 October 2003 )

In order to obtain the views of the exiled opposition on the reformation of the National Convention Convening Commission by the SPDC (State Peace and Development Council) and continuously holding mass rallies to endorse the SPDC-sponsored road map, DVB has contacted National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) Prime Minister Dr Sein Win to obtain his view.

Dr Sein Win : There is nothing new about the road map. The National Convention began in 1993 and was adjourned in 1996. It is like reinvigorating the National Convention. Neither the public nor the political parties and the political leaders have accepted the road map and if the junta persistently proceeds then it will only be their doing. In fact, they should release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, allow the political parties to conduct their political activities freely, and hold talks. They must hold talks they just could not avoid the process.

DVB : Yes. Although almost everyone including U Khun Tun Oo (chairman of Shan Nationalities League for Democracy) have said that there must be a dialogue otherwise it is unacceptable, the SPDC has shown every indication of proceeding with the matter. How would the exiled groups react?

Dr Sein Win : As I have mentioned before we could not accept this proposal. If they pursue it further it would not make any difference. There would not be any political significance. Gen Khin Nyunt would become U Khin Nyunt and then he would become a prime minister. These are all deceptions and do not constitute any essential change. You would not get any political answers if you carry on with these deceptions. If there is no political answer then there would be no solution for the country. They seem adamant to pursue it further and on our part we would have to reject the proposal and carry on doing what we have to do.

DVB : Rather than saying that it would not make any difference and although the opposition has rejected the current road map, what do you think would be acceptable to the opposition such as an alternative road map?

Dr Sein Win : Well, the NLD (National League for Democracy) has already provided an explanation. The NLD did not leave the National Convention. It just pointed out the inappropriate procedures and asked them to amend them. Instead they expelled the NLD from the National Convention and accused the NLD of walking out on the National Convention. If they want to change the road map, the first thing they need to do is hold talks with the political parties. They must also release all the political leaders including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. If they convene the National Convention without releasing the political leaders then it would amount to nothing. The suppression would continue and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the NLD leaders, and other political prisoners would remain incarcerated and what will it bring. Therefore, they must have a dialogue. If they do not mend their ways and strictly follow their programme then the country will suffer. Evidently, the people will suffer too. So, for the good of everyone the dialogue process has become unavoidable for them today.

(BBC Monitoring Service)