RFA Interview with Suu Kyi

Burma's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi gives an interview to RFA’s Burmese Service a day after her release.

2010.11.14
assk4-305 Burma's newly released opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi delivers a speech to thousands of supporters gathered at the National League for Democracy headquarters in Rangoon on Nov. 14, 2010.
AFP

Suu Kyi speaks to RFA’s Kyaw Kyaw Aung about the need for a dialogue with the ruling military generals and calls for a people's "network" to push for democracy in her country. Below are translated excerpts of the interview on Nov. 14.

Q: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, after so many years you have met with the people for the first time. How do you feel about that?

A: When I met them, the one thing I noticed is that people seemed that they had been going through a lot of hardship in life. However, in spite of that, they welcome me very cheerfully, magnanimously, wishing me well. I was very grateful for that, and I was surprised as well.

Q: When the military government released you, did they place any limitations—such as you must not go there, you must not do this?

A: No, there aren't any.

Q: There aren't any. Now that you have been released, what plans do you have for your party or for politics?

A: The main thing I have in mind is for us to achieve democracy. We need people's participation increasingly. By people, I am not referring only to people in our country, but also people of the world. I also mentioned this in the news conference today, also when I talked to the [foreign] diplomats, and also to the people.

For us to achieve democracy, we will have to establish a network of people—a network of Burmese people, a network of people of the world. Everyone must [be included in the process by] communication means appropriate to the modern era, and work for democracy. That's what I believe.

Q: Is there anything you'd like to say to the current military government?

A: For me, it's better to have a dialogue. I don't want to be having a one-sided conversation. There's only one thing I want to say. I've said this from the beginning, I've said this before: Let's have a dialogue. That's it.

Only when we talk, only when we have two sides talking, will it be effective. It's not going to be effective if I just say, 'I want to say this. I want to say this,' just by myself.

Q: The military government held elections while you were under house arrest. According to the current situation, what do you believe is the best way for Burma's politics, for democracy, for the prosperity of the people of Burma?

A: Like I said earlier, the best way is one where the entire people can participate as far as possible. One thing I noticed is that among those who came over [to meet me], there were many young people. That is a very good sign. I saw our new blood, our new generation, participating in the political process actively.

Q: Leaders, including U.S. President Barack Obama, all over the world are extremely happy about your release, and they welcome it. How do you feel when you hear about this?

A: I really appreciate their support. From here, we need to continue to work so that their support will be effective for us to achieve democracy.

Q: Finally, would you like to comment on the foreign broadcast media, including RFA?

A:
During the entire six years, I relied on the outside radio network in order to keep in touch with the outside world. I value this very much. Of course, there are some programs that are my favorite, and some I don't quite appreciate much. But I try to listen to everything as much as possible, and each is good in its own way.

For RFA as well as others, I listen to political news as a duty. But I listen to programs on literature, poetry, and arts because I'm interested in them.

Q:
Today, you gave a speech in Rangoon. Is there anything you would like to say to the people all over Burma who didn't get to hear your speech?

A: I would like to thank them first. Also, [I would like to say that] we will be able to succeed only with people's power, with people's support, with people's trust. I cannot do this on my own. The NLD cannot do this on its own. All of the political parties cannot do this on their own. Without people's participation, nothing can be done effectively for our country. I would like the people to participate.

In some of the small wards I passed by, people looked very poor. But when they came out and welcomed me and waved their hands, they were all smiles. I thought to myself, 'Oh, our people are very warm—and very magnanimous.'

Even though they are very poor and tired, they are able to great me warmly, happily, and cheerfully. They have these powers. They are giving me strength. If people continue to strengthen us this way, we in turn will strengthen the people. If we join hands and help each other, I believe we will be successful.

Q: Thank you very much, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

A: I thank you as well. Please greet other members of RFA for me.

Q: Yes, I will.

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