Printable Version

Burma Digest Current Issue

Talking with NCGUB

 (interview carried out by Dr. Tayza)

                                                  This week, amidst waxing and waning expectations of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s release, we got a chance to talk with U Bo Hla Tint, Chair of Finance Committee of National Coalition Government of Union of Burma (NCGUB). We talked about the possibilities of another Depayin Massacre and the future of Burma etc.

BURMA DIGEST: How do you feel on the third anniversary of Depayin Massacre?

U Bo Hla Tint: Well, it is a very tragic memory for all of us and it should never happen again.

BURMA DIGEST: How did it happen?

U Bo Hla Tint: Well, it is clear indicator that there were hard-line those who are not willing to see positive developments in the democracy movement. It is main cause that I think.

BURMA DIGEST: How many people died and injured?

U Bo Hla Tint: Well, it is very difficult to say exact numbers of people injured or died but a lot of NLD members and supporters according to eyewitnesses.

BURMA DIGEST: Was it an assassination attempt on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's life?

U Bo Hla Tint: Of course, it is bad effort of some faction within the regime who does not want democratic change in Burma.

BURMA DIGEST: When Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is released this time, will there be another attempt on her life?

U Bo Hla Tint: Well, we should not have pessimistic view but realistically wait and see and handle the situation very carefully.

BURMA DIGEST: If & When Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is released, will there be many positive developments this time?

U Bo Hla Tint: We must always have optimism as Daw Suu has but we (I mean the NLD and DASSK) must be well prepared this time not to be going back to bad situation again.

BURMA DIGEST: How do you see current situations in Burma?

U Bo Hla Tint: Well, at this moment, everybody including the SPDC is losers; nobody is winning until we can work together for a positive change in Burma.

BURMA DIGEST: SPDC is saying that NLD is no longer relevant, and NCGUB is illegal? How will you respond?

U Bo Hla Tint: Well, the SPDC has to dare to admit the truth. They must dare to allow the NLD and DASSK to move freely if it is true.

BURMA DIGEST: Your vision for near future?

U Bo Hla Tint: It mainly depends upon realization of all key players in the country especially for the SPDC and NLD on behalf of the movement. If both sides especially from the SPDC side fully understand the benefit of change, there will be some progress.

BURMA DIGEST: How will NCGUB deal with current situations? What are NCGUB's future plans?

U Bo Hla Tint: Well, as we the NCGUB always serves as foreign relation branch of the movement; we will continue to keep our working relations with the UN and international allies. Both persuasion and dissuasion efforts of the NCGUB will continue until real developments are taking place inside Burma.

BURMA DIGEST: Will there be a role for student leaders in the politics of future Burma? In which role they will play?

U Bo Hla Tint: Of course, the historic 8888 movement was started by the students and they are always in the fore front of the movement all the time as well. So I believe that Burmese people will love to welcome those student leaders coming back and working for them. We are very welcome and happy to continue our working relations with them.

BURMA DIGEST: How will the future democratic government of Burma deal with ethnic nationality groups (both cease-fire and non cease-fire)?

U Bo Hla Tint: That is one of our objectives that we (MP-Elects) have come out and been working with ethnic movement to have better understanding what they really want and how Burma will be able to serve to fulfill all needs of entire population not only ethnic sector. If we all have mutual understanding and trust that working together is better for both side (majority as well as minority) everything will be under control.

BURMA DIGEST: How can NCGUB help to stop atrocities currently happening in ethnic areas?

U Bo Hla Tint: Well, since we are in exile, we could draw urgent attention of the international community and ask for immediate responses as we are doing now.

BURMA DIGEST: Is there any possibility of a binding UN resolution on Burma in near future? What can UN do for Burma?

U Bo Hla Tint: Well, the UN mechanism is the most diplomatic and complicated one and we should not predict on that reality but try our best.

BURMA DIGEST: How can NCGUB push UN Security Council member states to formally discuss on Burma?

U Bo Hla Tint: We have been visiting incumbent member countries as much as possible and seeking their support. For example, I was recently in Argentina and tried to attain their support. However, it is a long way to go to become a formal one as the current level of strategic interest of the world powers are very low.

BURMA DIGEST: What is NCGUB's current status and relationship with international governments?

U Bo Hla Tint: Well, as never seek for formal recognition since from the beginning, we just have very positive relations with some of democratic governments around the globe.

BURMA DIGEST: NCGUB's advice for all our readers and activists around the world?

U Bo Hla Tint: We Burmese people must understand that democratic change is just our cause not the cause of other people and we must be united and able to resolve by ourselves rather than waiting others to do for us. 

Your Comments here_

Please click on Google ads below and have a look around; your clicks will help make Google contribute towards BURMA DIGEST website maintenance.