February 22: Aye Tha Aung first told DVB the essence/summary of the latest Committee Representing People’s Parliament (CRPP) in Rangoon as follows:

ATA: Especially, the National League for Democracy (NLD) members explained to us the NLD’s statement issued on the Union Day (12 February). We held discussions based on this.

DVB: As you did that, what is the CRPP position on this? Did you support it or not?

ATA: The NLD explained to us the matter concerning the statement. All the CRPP members who attended the meeting agreed with them. We, the CRPP (members) will issue a statement tomorrow.

DVB: You must have listened to the radio. The NLD did that without consulting the CRPP and the like were reported. How do you explain that?

ATA: In my opinion, the NLD had to issue (the statement) by looking at the time and situation. We can understand. If I have give my own opinion, the statement issued on the Union Day mainly comprises of the call for Hludaw (parliament) and it is not against the CRPP’s policies. Another thing, if the present military government accepts the facts in that statement, it is necessary to hold discussions on these facts and there is a potential to have discussions on a table. All CRPP members agreed and accepted it. Another thing, as for the affairs of the ethnic nationals, ethnic national parties and the NLD have never worked cheek by jowl. During the 17 years, we had worked and cooperated through many kinds of difficulties and dire straights. As we have been cooperating thus, when it comes to the ethnic national affairs, ethnic nationals put forward their views and the NLD leaders hold similar views – therefore we were able to work together pragmatically. Therefore, what I want to say is, in this day and age when we are fighting for democracy, we all accept that we need to substantiate the rights of ethnic nationals at the same time. We are also contriving thus. We are working together because the NLD leaders are clear on issue this and agree with us.

DVB: Another thing – in the NLD’s Union Day’s statement, there is the deadline of 17 April. What does the CRPP think of this?

ATA: Things are like this. The NLD statement says 17 (of April) – which is the New Year day for the people of Burma. It is an auspicious occasion. Especially if the present military government accepts the proposal of the NLD, the prescribed time is neither a long one nor a short one and I think it is a suitable one.