Suu Kyi appeals for democracy, growth in Myanmar at Davos

Prakash Chawla

Davos, Jan 29 (PTI) Myanmar''s pro-democracy leader AungSan Suu Kyi has appealed to the global business leaders touse their skills to promote democracy, human development andeconomic growth in the land-locked country.

In a recorded address to the World Economic Forum (WEF)meeting, she said world leaders should "use their particularopportunities and skills as far as possible to promotenational reconciliation, genuine democratisation, humandevelopment and economic growth in Burma, that our people mayin turn be able make their own contribution towards a safer,happier world."

The emotional address by Suu Kyi, General Secretary ofthe National League for Democracy in Myanmar, was heard withrapt attention by the business leaders who have gathered atthe Alpine resort for the 41st meeting of the WEF.

Speaking "on behalf of the 55 million people of Burmawho have for the most part been left behind," Suu Kyi said hercountry yearns to be part of the global community and takehold of the opportunities so far "missed because of politicalconflicts in our country over the last 50 years."

The Nobel Peace Prize Laureate said her country�sdevelopment has lagged far behind its neighbours. "The youngpeople of Burma need the kind of education that has enabledYoung Global Leaders, some of whom are present at thisgathering, to excel so early in their careers," she added.

She called for investments in technology andinfrastructure, as well as a reformed legal system to attractForeign Direct Investment (FDI).

"I believe that, as necessary steps towards integrationwithin the global community, Burma must achieve nationalreconciliation, political stability and economic growthgrounded in human resources development," Suu Kyi said.

She appealed to investors and potential investors "to puta premium on respect for the law, on environmental and socialfactors, on the rights of workers, on job creation and on thepromotion of technological skills.

"Such an approach would not only be in line with a globalsense of responsibility, it would lead in the long run togreater benefits for all concerned." PTI PC NKD CS SA