Myanmar: Suu ready to work with junta

Yangon, Nov 9 : Following is the full text of a statement issued by the United Nations late yesterday on behalf of detained Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

It is the first public comment from the Nobel laureate since she was placed under house arrest in mid-2003 and followed a meeting with UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari at the end of his second visit to try to foster talks on political reform.

Suu Kyi has been under house arrest for 12 of the last 18 years under the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), the latest of the juntas which have ruled the former Burma since 1962.

''I wish to thank all those who have stood by my side all this time, both inside and outside my country. I am also grateful to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Ban Ki-moon, for his unwavering support for the cause of national reconciliation, democracy and human rights in my country.

''I welcome the appointment on 8 October of Minister Aung Kyi as Minister for Relations. Our first meeting on 25 October was constructive and I look forward to further regular discussions. I expect that this phase of preliminary consultations will conclude soon so that a meaningful and timebound dialogue with the SPDC leadership can start as early as possible.

''In the interest of the nation, I stand ready to cooperate with the Government in order to make this process of dialogue a success and welcome the necessary good offices role of the United Nations to help facilitate our efforts in this regard.

''In full awareness of the essential role of political parties in democratic societies, in deep appreciation of the sacrifices of the members of my party and in my position as General Secretary, I will be guided by the policies and wishes of the National League for Democracy.

''However, in this time of vital need for democratic solidarity and national unity, it is my duty to give constant and serious considerations to the interests and opinions of as broad a range of political organisations and forces as possible, in particular those of our ethnic nationality races.

''To that end, I am committed to pursue the path of dialogue constructively and invite the Government and all relevant parties to join me in this spirit.

''I believe that stability, prosperity and democracy for my country, living at peace with itself and with full respect for human rights, offers the best prospect for my country to fully contribute to the development and stability of the region in close partnership with its neighbours and fellow Asean members, and to play a positive role as a respected member of the international community.

REUTERS
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