Ethnic groups welcome NLD's invitation for talks

Than Htike Oo and Phanidar
Mizzima News
www.mizzima.com

February 7, 2008 - Chiang Mai– Several ethnic organizations at home and abroad welcomed the invitation of the National League for Democracy (NLD) to all ethnic organizations in Burma, including ceasefire groups, to come and discuss differences in policy matters.

The main opposition for the first time, opened up discussions with ethnic organizations on February 5. The meetings are to focus on any differences between the NLD and ethnic communities regarding a statement issued on November 8, 2007, by NLD leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Previously, the Pa-O National Organization, Union Pa-O National League, United Wa State Army, Shan State Special Region (4) Mongla, Kokang, Kachin Defence Army and Shan State Army (North), all ceasefire groups, issued statements saying they did not support Suu Kyi's earlier statement.

"Some ethnic organizations issued statements in state-run newspapers saying they disagreed with this statement. We agree with their statements as they are issued under democratic principles. Similarly, face to face dialogue is also a democratic practice. So we have invited these ethnic organizations, which have different viewpoints on policy from those of the NLD, to come for talks", spokesman Nyan Win said.

But as of yet, no organizations have accepted the invitation, he said.

Some ceasefire groups reportedly said that their statements were issued under pressure and at the behest of the junta. They reportedly were instructed to simply sign pre-prepared statements.

United Nationalities Alliance (UNA) spokesman Pu Sian Tshing Thang said, referring to those organizations that submitted statements opposed to that of Suu Kyi, "I wonder why they protested against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's statement? Maybe it was not clear what Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said or maybe they acted under pressure of the regime? I think the NLD wants them to clarify their positions. If they have actual differences with the NLD, the NLD would like them to come and discuss those differences with them. This is how I see their statement."

"National reconciliation through dialogue is the best way. Otherwise any resolution through other means will give our country bad results rather than good results. This is my view", Nai Ngwe Thein, Vice-Chairman of the New Mon State Party (NMSP) said. The NMSP has issued public support for Suu Kyi's position.

Meanwhile other groups have yet to respond to Suu Kyi's November statement.

"We haven't yet discussed it, as we were preoccupied with the KIO Revolution Day celebration," said a spokesperson for the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), referring to Suu Kyi's original statement. "We haven't discussed anything yet on the matter and as of yet have no official position. We'll discuss it later when we have a meeting." The KIO is another of the ceasefire groups. Revolution Day is honored on February 5.

Dr. Salai Lianmong Zarkaung, General Secretary of the Ethnic Nationality Council (Burma), which supported Suu Kyi's earlier statement, welcomed the most recent NLD statement and urged ethnic organizations inside Burma to accept the invitation and discuss any differences they have with the NLD.

In all, twelve ethnic organizations, including the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), Zomi National Congress (ZNC) and Mon National Democracy, previously announced their support for Suu Kyi's statement.