(Interview) – Mizzima reporter Ko Wild interviews NLD spokesman Ohn Kyaing about the National League for Democracy (NLD) policy toward the fighting between the Burmese government and ethnic armed groups.
Question: Recently, the NLD issued a statement after fighting started between the government and Kachin troops. Why did the NLD take so much time to issue the statement?Answer: Because we needed to observe the situation. We had to try to obtain exact information. And we had to consider how we could respond in accordance with our policy. The NLD was busy with the music festival and the birthday ceremony of the NLD general-secretary. Before that, we conducted journalism training, training for farmers and meetings with NLD youth members. Anyway, in accordance with our decision, we issued the statement.
Q: What is the NLD position on ethnic people including Kachin, who demand self-determination?
A: We recognize all ethnic people’s rights and equality. If there are problems, we need to solve them via honest and friendly ways. We need to respect each other’s ideas. We need to stand up for fundamental human rights. We believe that all problems should be solved by dialogue not by armed conflict.
Q: Explain racial equality and self-determination as they apply to ethnic groups.
A: Ethnic people who were born in the country have equal fundamental rights. They have the rights to maintain their culture and to develop their own language and literature. Wherever they live, they should get equal opportunities in politics, business and education. That’s equal rights.
Q: What is your point of view on managing natural resources, running businesses, taxation and administration in ethnic areas?
A: We want a federal government and a union spirit. We believe the federal system of government consists of a group of states and regions. Ethnic people must be given self-determination. We respect their rights to freely create their own fate.
Q: To fight for their fundamental rights, some ethnic groups contested in the election and some have chosen a military approach. What is the NLD view on the different methods?
A: Their basic policies are different because of different points of view. We should have freedom of expression. This is equality. In accordance with democratic ways, it is natural that we have different views. Despite the different views, we can solve the problems by following the desires and decision of the people, I think.
Q: What is NLD’s attitude to the armed groups?
A: We always want to use political ways to solve political problems. But the armed groups are fighting for their freedom in accordance with their situation. We recognize that they are fighting for equality.
Q: The state-run newspapers said that government troops launched a military offensive against the KIA to protect the Taping hydropower project. What is your view on China and the Burma’s government led by President Thein Sein?
A: My view on China is that they will do things in accordance with their own policy. We have consulted with those who are connected with the affair.
Q: Some KIA top military leaders attended Aung San Suu Kyi’s birthday ceremony held at KIO headquarters in Laiza. Do you think that was unusual?
A: Suu Kyi is the daughter of our national hero. She wants all ethnic people to be peaceful. She said on Sunday that she wanted national reconciliation. Not only the Kachin, but all ethnic people love her. So, we believe that they are willing to solve the problems via peaceful ways in accordance with the general-secretary’s attitude.
Q: Does the NLD have any plan to form a peace committee or other activities promoting peace in ethnic areas?
A: We don’t have a plan to form a peace committee. The hunger for peace prompted the speech delivered by party Vice Chairman Tin Oo, the prayer said by Suu Kyi and the statement by the NLD. If necessary, we will make additional efforts.
