Burma’s prominent student activists of the 88 generation urged the ruling military junta to create a political environment, which will allow free, frank and friendly discussions among all political stake holders in order to restore democracy in the country.

While welcoming the junta’s announcement to reconvene the National Convention’s last session in July, 88 generation students in a statement released today said a political environment is essential to allow an inclusive and open dialogue between all political players.

“We are hopeful following the announcement by Lt-Gen Thein Sein on the winding-up of the National Convention but we believe that the 1990 general election winners cannot be ignored and undermined,” Pyone Cho, an 88 generation student, told Mizzima.

“It has to be all inclusive and for that to happen, all stake holders should work for the creation of a democratic political environment where there can be free, frank and friendly discussions,” added Pyone Cho.

Citing the junta’s announcement on reconvening the constitution drafting convention on July 18, the students urged the junta and opposition groups – the National League for Democracy and ethnic political parties – to exert maximum effort for “a political environment and reach a negotiated settlement which will be acceptable by the people of Burma.”

Meanwhile, rumours have spread in the Burmese political community in exile that 88 students Ko Ko Gyi, Min Ko Naing and NLD party leaders U Liwn and U Aung Shwe, yesterday met the authorities to discuss matters related to the National Convention.

However, both the students and the NLD leaders denied any such meeting.

Pyone Cho, a 88 generation student, however, said that they are aware of the rumours and think that it reflects the people’s desire to make things take such a turn.

“While no such meeting took place, we believe that people are wondering whether such a meeting could take place, and that it should happen even with people inside Burma,” Pyone Cho added.

Ko Ko Gyi, however, said, “There has been no such meeting. And so far there are also no plans both by the authorities and from us. But that’s not the most important thing, what is essential is an inclusive dialogue between all political actors.”

NLD’s U Lwin also explicitly denied the rumours saying, “I am not feeling well these days and could not even go to our office. There has been no such meeting.”