February 14: Reactions on the NLD’s Union Day Special Statement by renowned 88 Generation Students of Burma

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Ko Ko Gyi

“The National League for Democracy (NLD) had said in general about the national reconciliation and dialogue in the past. (But), it had not said in a concise way like now. As it is saying thus now and it is an offer that heads to the national reconciliation and it is a political solution based on the 1990 election. Therefore, as it fits in with our principles, we support it.”

“In order to solve political difficulties, we are contriving with the spirit that there could be some damages and losses to us. As I said earlier, I don’t think they (the generals) will respond to it atrociously. The reason is – soldiers, rank and file and officers from all levels in the present army will understand and see that we are facing difficulties. Before this, there was no positive offer from democracy forces. Now, there is a concise offer. They are also taking seriously the role of the Tamadaw (army), but I am not saying how many percentages. If the country changes peacefully and heads towards democracy, for the transitional period, we will fully hand over power to the current army government, 100 percents. The most important thing is the country changes and transforms peacefully. As it is clear that the offer takes the matter seriously that we hope that the army government will respond to it with a positive offer. It is also an offer of the people who were elected by the people in (19)90 election. As it is a very ‘soft/gentle’ offer, ethnic national forces, the army, the people of the country who voted should say that this is our cause, we ourselves should actively involved in this and support the statements vigorously – I want to urge thus.”

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Htay Kywe

“The most important thing is – since our releases from long-term imprisonments, we want our country to develop peacefully. In order to do that, we need to be able to solve the current political difficulties. Only then would our country and people be able to stand up with dignity in the middle of the international community. The main thing is – the unity of all people involved in the politics within the country – the national reconciliation. The NLD’s Union Day special statement heads towards the national reconciliation. As we believe that it is a brave offer, we said that we support it.”

“It is one method of trying to find a solution for a peaceful transition.”

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Min Ko Naing

The role of all political prisoners including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Tin Oo is automatically hooked to their releases. The reason being – political prisoners are those who are detained for their beliefs. Therefore, when you are negotiating and discussing for a transitional period, there should be a chance for those who are being detained for their beliefs. There should be a chance for them to express and substantiate their desires. As for those who are to sit on the negotiating table, there is an important role for those party members who were elected by the people in (19)90 – I want to memorably urge all, at this moment and time, to think over seriously this section and substantiate it fully.”