NLD Members Hold Five-Day Meeting, U Lwin Interviewed on Developments
24 August 2004 (DVB)
Telephone interview with NLD Spokesman U Lwin, in Rangoon, by DVB Correspondent Ko Moe Aye
Dear Listeners: It has been learned that those in charge of the National League for Democracy organizing committees in states and divisions, elected representatives, and the Central Executive Committee [CEC] members will hold a five-day meeting at the NLD headquarters starting from 25 August.
The meetings of each state and division will be held separately due to limited availability of venues. An NLD official said to the DVB that the meetings between NLD officials from Magwe and Irrawaddy Divisions will be held tomorrow morning and afternoon, while the meetings for Sagaing and Pegu Divisions will be held on Thursday; Mandalay and Rangoon Divisions on Friday; Kachin, Chin, Karen, Arakan, and Shan States on Saturday; and Tenasserim Division and Mon State on Sunday morning. Meetings of women and youth groups and the CEC will be held on Sunday afternoon.
To learn more about the current situation, including about the meetings, Ko Moe Aye interviewed NLD Spokesman U Lwin. He began the interview by asking about the significant points of the tomorrow's meetings.
[U Lwin] The significant point is our original program. It is quite difficult to explain the objectives of conducting the meetings and the current level that we have reached. However, we will stick to our original program since our current plan has not completed yet.
[Ko Moe Aye] It has been more than a month since the start of the on-going NLD public signature campaign calling for the release of all political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Tin Oo. Are you satisfied with the performance of the NLD with regard to the campaign?
[U Lwin] I do not know exactly the result of the campaign. It is also not that easy for NLD members to launch a campaign since they have to carry it out under thorough and complete security. We will not give up the campaign. It will continue as it should be. A person said that there are even more people joining the campaign. The campaign is still going on.
[Ko Moe Aye] What would you say to those who have bravely given their signatures in the campaign and the NLD members who are carrying it out despite their exposure to risks?
[U Lwin] The people are of course aware of the danger. They should be praised for their support and active spirits in our struggle. The results might not be huge but they are encouraged by the fact that a movement still exists. It seems that they have been trying to get involved with what they can provide. What we have achieved so far is due to these people.
[Ko Moe Aye] Some NLD member said it is more effective to go to each home for the campaign. It alerts the people and forges closer relations with the people. What is your view on this?
[U Lwin] Going to each home to collect the signatures sometimes works and sometimes not. It seems that it will cost us badly. However, the people are still looking forward to go to places where they can give their signatures.
[Ko Moe Aye] There has been an increase in the number of people giving their signatures in the campaign recently, while the authorities have been putting more pressure. A court also did not accept the NLD application for Respite Section 45. What is your opinion on this?
[U Lwin] These things have been happening all the time. A cat will go where there is a rat. It is a competition. They always have plans to react to whatever we do. We also have plans, if they behave like this.
[Ko Moe Aye] Recently, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan urged the SPDC to resume negotiations with the NLD led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Regarding this, how did the SPDC respond to the NLD?
[U Lwin] Nothing. The other day, I saw Kofi Annan's message containing four to five lines saying that they welcomed and appreciated.
[Ko Moe Aye] How does the NLD consider the overall situation?
[U Lwin] Not satisfactory. In striving toward our objectives, both sides have not achieved the success they expected. As we have difficulties, the other side also has difficulties. It means they still do not know what is real life.
[Ko Moe Aye] What do you mean by real life?
[U Lwin] Real life means we do not have to depend on anyone--not Kofi Annan, not the Thai prime minister, and not ASEAN assistance. It would have been worked out a long time ago, if they really love the country and the people.
That was NLD Spokesman U Lwin. U Lwin also said that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is in good health and that he has regular contact with her by letters. [Source]