'I Have Never Been Treated Cruelly'
Following her release from house arrest on May 6, 2002, the world's most famous political dissident, Aung San Suu Kyi, held a press conference. The following are edited excerpts:
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The government says this is a new dawn for Myanmar. Do you believe that?
I'm very glad to hear that they have said that. We have been waiting for this for a very long time. We only hope that the dawn will move over very quickly to a full morning.
Is your release a major triumph for democracy?
No, because after all the object of the struggle was never to assure my freedom. It is to ensure that all Burmese people enjoy freedom.
What do you think was the government's motivation in freeing you now?
I think you have to ask them about their motivations.
Which members of the government did you meet with during the talks?
I have seen some members of the SPDC [the State Peace and Development Council, the official name of the 19-member ruling junta] and that is all I will say. With regards to what has been going on over the past 19 months, I will not go into details. I have never subscribed to the tell-all school of thought. Our discussions were usually of a delicate nature.
Are you satisfied with the progress of the talks between you and the government?
We are satisfied in some ways and not in others. Of course we are satisfied that there is progress, but we think it should come quicker, because there are many people in Burma whose well-being depends on quick progress.
Have you made arrangements for further discussions with the regime?
The understanding is that the contacts between us will carry on, but we have no specific arrangements for the time being.
Do you feel that the channel between you and the government is now firmly established?
It has been opened, and let's make it rock solid.
Do you plan to collaborate with the military for the development of Myanmar?
It's too early to talk about such things. The authorities have said this is a new dawn for the country. If that's the case then we have to wait to find out what it will bring. We have always been ready to cooperate with the authorities for the betterment of the people of Burma.
Do you foresee yourself taking a less confrontational stance toward the government?
That seems to imply that we were taking a confrontational stance before. That's not true. Confrontation comes about because there is no other way to settle differences. If there is a channel open for settling differences there should be no need for confrontation.
What do you see as the next step?
We want to move on to discussions on policy matters. I think both sides agree that the phase of confidence building is over. So I look forward to moving on to a more significant phase in our dealings with each other.
Burma's ethnic minorities have said they want to be part of the dialogue between you and the government. When will they be able to participate?
Well we want them to be part of the dialogue too. But as I said earlier, policy matters have yet to be discussed.
How confident do you feel that you're really moving towards democracy now? Or do you think that now that the government has released you the process may slow down or even grind to a halt?
I've always described myself as a cautious optimist, and nothing has ever happened to make me change my mind.
What is the message you want to convey to the people of Burma?
I would like to remind them that they have to make their own contributions. If they want peace, progress and prosperity, they have to be prepared to do their bit and not just leave it to the National League for Democracy or the other political parties to do what is necessary. They must be prepared to shoulder their own responsibilities as well.
What is your message to international community?
My message remains what it has been all along: please support the struggle for democracy in every way that you can.
What is your attitude now towards foreign investment and tourism?
None of our basic policies have changed for the time being. And other policy matters such as the constitution, the parliament, aid and development are policy matters that have yet to be discussed.
What about your insistence that the results of the 1990 elections [in which the NLD won 82% of the vote] be recognized?
This is something that will have to be discussed. We have always been flexible. Although people have said otherwise, the NLD has always been flexible. We are ready to negotiate an outcome that will be favorable to the people of Burma.
Should the international community start giving humanitarian aid and under what conditions would it be acceptable?
Our policies with regard to aid have not changed because we have not been able to discuss this with the authorities. We want what is best for the people of Burma as quickly as possible. We want accountability and transparency; whatever is given to the people should get to them in the right way.
Are there any restrictions on where you can travel?
I have full rights to travel everywhere I wish to in Burma. But we consider it courteous to discuss travel plans with the authorities. We're quite happy to do that.
Do you intend to hold weekly speeches at your gate as you did when you were released in 1995?
The roads to my house remain closed and this is [by agreement]. The important thing is I will be able to travel to our various offices within Rangoon and across the country in due course, so I don't think it will be necessary for people to come to my house on the weekends. That means I will get a good rest on weekends.
Are there any restrictions on your party holding activities such as rallies and marches?
I would not have thought marches and rallies were the functions of political parties. I want to let people know that we are not just working for the rights of the NLD. I have always made a point of saying that what we want is the freedom of political parties to operate in accordance with the law. Though for the time being we are in a position to be able to do more than a number of other parties. So that in itself is a great responsibility. We have to make sure that other parties are given the same rights as we are and that the members of our party don't take advantage of their special position.
What will be the next goodwill gesture that we'll see from the government?
I don't think we're looking for goodwill gestures. We are looking for a solid agreement that will result in a better life for the people of Burma.
Do you see a role for the United Nations in Burma, and what can you say about the role of Razali Ismail, the UN envoy?
I certainly see a role for the U.N. and I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation for everything that Mr. Razali has done. He's been a very good friend to Burma and has made it possible for us to overcome some of the little kinks in the way, and I hope that he'll still be there to see us overcome the bigger obstacles. I know that he has the interest of the people of Burma at heart. And he will be one of the first people to be overjoyed when democracy really happens in Burma.
Razali expressed grave concern over the state of the economy in this country. Are you concerned about it?
Yes I am. With prices rising the way they are, we should all be concerned. The economy is in need of speedy change. We need to do something to make sure that the economy gets up on its feet again.
What was your reaction when the government came and said 'let's talk?'
Well, let's talk.
You weren't surprised or shocked?
No, I think I've gone past the stage of getting surprised or shocked.
Why did it take so long for you to be released?
Because there were many things that needed to be sorted out. Things take time, though I wish things moved along faster.
Was there any point in the last 19 months when you were offered your release but you chose not to? Some reports at the start of the dialogue said you asked for the release of political prisoners before your own release.
There were many erroneous reports, which the press made up. There was never any specific offer to release me at any moment before last week. But I must say the authorities would most probably have considered releasing me early if I had asked for my release. The reason why we agreed on my release now is because we, that is to say the other members of the NLD and myself, decided that the time had come for the party to move again and that we had spent long enough in the confidence-building process.
How many political prisoners are there?
There is a difference of opinion over the numbers. The authorities explained to us that some of the prisoners on our list had been double counted because, as you know, Burmese names are notoriously repetitive. Some prisoners have also been moved from prison to prison but we don't have their details. So, in fairness to the authorities I must say that the number of prisoners is probably less than we estimated.
Are you asking for the release of political prisoners from the NLD, or all political prisoners?
All of them. We have made it very clear from the start that we are not negotiating only for the release of NLD prisoners, because the NLD is not the only organization that is working for freedom and democracy for the people of Burma. I hope all political prisoners are released soon.
Have you wavered in your decision that democracy must be achieved by peaceful means?
Never, because this is the future or our country.
Were you treated cruelly by the authorities when you were under house arrest?
I have never been treated cruelly.
Did you miss anything while under house arrest?
No. It wasn't a new experience for me. So I didn't particularly miss anything.
What is the difference between your release seven years ago and today?
I think it's a bit hotter today than it was seven years ago. [Laughter]
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