Suu Kyi demands four-party talks to solve problems

Suu Kyi, chairperson of the National League for Democracy (NLD), was answering a question of what message she would like to convey to President Thein Sein, Parliament speaker Thura Shwe Mann and Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing during an exclusive interview with the Voice of America on Sunday.  

 “Real talks mean seeking to solve problems. As I have said earlier, I demand these four-party talks with a view to seeing how our country will move forward in peace, stability and unity in post-2015,” said the opposition leader. 

She also said her demand for four-party talks was aimed at ensuring more effectiveness, adding that such a dialogue is necessary in strengthening national reconciliation as the people including political factions are concerned about situations after 2015. 

She also gave her views on other issues such as amendment to Section 436 of the constitution and racial, religious and internal peace issues.  

Asked about the military’s unwillingness to amend Section 436, Suu Kyi told VOA: "We never expected it to be easy but believed it to be possible. The question is when. If we can change the constitution earlier, it is better for the country. We need the courage and ability to change whatever needs to be changed for the betterment of the country." 

She also said her party is ready for a national referendum to seek public opinions as to whether they want to have Section 436 amended or not. 

"Then why don’t you call for a nationwide referendum? We are more than ready for that. In that way, you can find out others’ opinions as well," she told VOA which earlier quoted the commander-in-chief of Defence Services as saying that the remaining people’s wishes need to be sought although NLD has submitted over five million signatures to parliament in support of constitutional amendment. 

When it comes to religious and racial conflicts, Suu Kyi said: “Our perspective is to find a solution. If the problem could not be solved, we must seek a certain solution. Based on a certain name, disagreements and conflicts should not happen in our country. Anyhow in any matter, we must discuss, coordinate and negotiate with each other. The leading force must be the government. The issue is in the hands of the government. Through discussion and coordination, a solution must be sought. It is the duty of the government.” 

She said she never encouraged any extremism, racial, religious or political. 

Ceasefire is vital for internal peace, she said when asked about ceasefire delays, adding that she was ready to participate (in the peace process) if invited by both sides. 

 “Finally, trust is fundamental. No more worries if mutual trust could be built. But without trust, we will still see ups and downs. This does not happen in our country alone. In some other countries also, peace process disrupts after signing a ceasefire deal,” commented the opposition leader.  

She also stressed that the legislative sector is at the forefront of the three sectors -- executive, judicial and legislative. Despite the right to speak and discuss freely in parliament, process implementation does not work as much as expected, she added. 

In the matter of ensuring the rule of law, the authorities are weak in cooperation, Suu Kyi pointed out.  

When asked about her stance over the controversial issues of the Myitsone dam project and Letpadaungtaung copper mine project, Suu Kyi said: 

“We will address these issues based on a sense of responsibility and accountability. We will seek a solution that we think is the best for our country. Many may not agreed to that because everyone cannot be the same in their opinions. But we have to choose the right way if we have goodwill. In doing so, we cannot guarantee that we are always right. To err is human. I expect we can seek a solution after analysis.”   

Suu Kyi also commented that the opposition should not work by upholding a strong sense of objection to the government. 

“The duty of the opposition is not much different from that of the government. It must work also for the good of the country,” she said.