Than Nyein, the leader of the NDF, which was roundly defeated by the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which allegedly benefited from widespread vote rigging.
Suu Kyi will also have to renew her efforts to find some way to deal with Burma's ruling generals. During the past 20 years, Suu Kyi has unsuccessfully called for dialogue with the military junta in an attempt to break the country's political deadlock.
Observers question whether that call will remain relevant given that the election results have paved the way for continued military rule by members of the current junta, which will control the new parliament with a civilian facade. The results have been recognized by Burma's largest and most influential neighbor, China, and by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, of which Burma is a member.
In addition to internal divisions within her party, a major issue confronting her is a recent increase in ethnic tensions, which have heightened since the run-up to the election over the junta's border guard force (BGF) plan aimed at assimilating all armed ethnic groups under its command in the post-election era.
Soon after the Sunday election, deadly clashes broke out between Karen rebel soldiers and Burmese troops in Myawaddy Township in Karen State. Tensions between the regime and the two largest cease-fire groups, the Kachin Independence Army and the United Wa State Army, both of which have rejected the BGF plan, also remain high.
“Daw Suu would actively work towards calling for a second Panglong Convention to resolve the ethnic issues,” said Win Htein, one of Suu Kyi's personal aides, referring to the 1947 Panglong Agreement which provided the basis for a federal union in the aftermath of the country's independence from British rule in 1948.
Another issue that will need to be addressed is the fate of other political prisoners who remain behind bars. Despite Suu Kyi's release, the junta continues to hold more than 2,100 prisoners of conscience, including prominent former student leaders who have been sentenced to up to 60 years imprisonment.
But what many residents of Rangoon are most eager to know about is how Suu Kyi will respond to the election results, according to one of her supporters in the former capital.
“We are expecting her clear leadership, because we are confused and angry about the elections. We will see how she copes with the illegal status of the NLD and responds to the election results and the new government,” he said.
Obama, Laura Bush, the EU, ASEAN and Indian politicians welcomed the release of DASSK. Actually who wouldn't? CHINA!
I am very impressed by her gratefulness, refering to the soldiers, who had "guarded" her compound so far. A Great Lady.
MT Wrote:
14/11/2010
How long do you think she will remain free? Sure as night follows the day, the "Generals" will find some spurious excuse to detain her again. Suu Kyi's release is just a public relations exercise for them to try to legitimise their so-called election victory.
Oo Maung gyi Wrote:
14/11/2010
The Burma junta has no choice except to release her due to many pressures from out side. Outside pressure they do not care about, they care about inside presure such as ethnic problems which are escalating the fighting with the Tatmadaw, some of the Tatmadaw leaders do not want to fight among the same nation.
Among the Tatmadaw a new generation of generals want Snr.General Than Shwe and Maung Aye to step down due to their age and some time their decision is not correct. For instance, the Border Guard Issue and allowing too much business opportunity to China and also these young generals they do not like Mandalay city becoming like a China sister city by settling Chinese with fake Burmese IDs and the immigration department is issuing Burmese IDs by taking bribes and this department is famous for corruption. The Young generation in the Tatmadaw wants the Tatmadaw to stay for national defense alone and does not want to be involved in politics.
timothy Wrote:
14/11/2010
Aunty Suu Said “Please have understanding with each other. “Let's work hand in hand.” Read her lips. "United, Unison, Working Together". In the last fake election, one boycotted the election, another cast votes for the opposition, the third had to vote for Kyant-Phut as his boss ordered all staff to do just that. The fourth said "I am too busy to be interested in politics." Four people are divided. It is the antonym of unity. Aunty Suu knew that is why we are stiil under the military boot. Than Shwe knew all four divded people and he said "Thank you very much". If we do not want liberation or if we are happy living under the fascist military rule, we must defend the disunity among ourselves so that we can futher serve our master Ba Ba Gyi Than Shwe. What do we want? United or divided. The choice is ours. Aunty Suu could not do anything about it. Sorry.
George Than Setkyar Heine Wrote:
14/11/2010
“Since we are former colleagues, we believe she will offer to talk with us,” said Dr. Than Nyein.
Hell, you should go talk to her!
“Long live Daw Aung San Suu Kyi,” cheered the crowd.
That is not ENOUGH people!
It is time to form a tight cordon around her and the NLD and PROTECT them as best you can.
Than Shwe has only half a million men compared to 50 million plus people to protect Daw Suu.
People failed her - DID NOTHING - when she was ambushed last time by USDA members now USDP proxy party of Than Shwe's today.
Daw Suu, please be VERY CAREFUL!
Than Shwe has no use for you after having implemented his last step in his road map to hell.
Hence, he would employ ELITE ELIMINATION policy.
Gandhi was shot at close range by a Hindu.
And Benazir Bhutto went into history untimely as well when a bullet found its mark.
We ALL believe in your leadership.
No need to show your face or give open speeches.
And don't mingle in crowds, for your safety, please!
HlaThein Wrote:
14/11/2010
We are very happy and excited to see Daw Suu freed.
Please, Irrawaddy, more pictures or video clips for us who live outside Burma. Thanks.
steve Wrote:
14/11/2010
Fantastic news.
steve Wrote:
14/11/2010
I know it is a bit crazy but let me say:
God, Allah, Jesus, Buddha and all the luck and natural phenomena, we have tried and try and will try..so please give Burma and the Burmese a chance to attain democracy, human rights and the road to development without any bloodshed. Please! HalaluYa!
Thumana Wrote:
14/11/2010
sadu sadu sadu
May the Burmese people become more free.
Thank you Aung San Suu Kyi for your patience and strength.
Many many loving greetings to the people of Burma and Rangoon and the Mahasi Sasana Yeiktha and all the Sayadaws.
Oo Maung gyi Wrote:
14/11/2010
The NLD is a legal political organization registered in the junta's election commission office in the year 1990. As a matter of fact, the 1990 election commission was also formed by the same junta and previous formation order of election commission is not yet abolished, but under an undemocratic constitution the junta again constitutes a new election commission to hold an election which was held this month of 7th November, 2010, the NLD not participating. As such, the NLD still stands as a political party until and unless the junta has to officially notify that the NLD party office should close dawn and not be allowed to hold political activities. Otherwise, the NLD has rights to operate political activities although it did not participate in the last controversial election which was totally under vote rigging and not a free, fair and inclusive election under international standards. In such a situation the NLD has the right to exist as a political organization which also won a landslide victory in 1990 election.
a Wrote:
14/11/2010
I was shocked. I use google.com.sg as my main source of news and I don't see any news about Aung San Suu Kyi released on google.com.sg.
This is something strange about google.com.sg. I'm not going to use as my main source for news anymore.
Oo Maung gyi Wrote:
14/11/2010
Daw Su kyi had already given the election results before the election, you do not care about it. I will repeat again she said that people have the right to vote as well as not to vote. This political version people do not understand, that is why many people formed parties and participated in the undemocratic election even some leading members of the NLD formed a party and participated and were defeated very badly. They should understand that a democratic election atmosphere must have freedom of speech, freedom of gethering, freedom of publication and distribution before the election, at the time when an election is held every polling station shall allow it to be freely observed, including the international media and observers, reporter from the press shall be allowed as election watch. Since there was no such kind of criterion in recent election, how do you expect to win, the whole situation was under the control of a dictatorship, so there will be vote rigging is a normal. No vote is better for us.
Songnha Wrote:
14/11/2010
Please refer to her as Aung San Suu Kyi, not Suu Kyi.
George Than Setkyar Heine Wrote:
14/11/2010
Don't be jubilant, just not yet please.
She could be arrested on any grounds again.
Than Shwe has to show he has some laws operating at the moment.
Of course, Daw Suu should tread softly and play the game wisely, with caution on her personal safety and security at best.
Remember Gandhi and Benazir Bhutto; they didn't stand a chance at close quarters and when jubilation took the place of caution as well.
Wai Hnin once said "they will never give up power voluntarily" and while echoing her I add here; either the gun comes into play or people power to the fore.
Without one or the other Than Shwe would never let go of power and property gained via killing people and looting the country's wealth as well.
In fact, the game has just begun and things will certainly get dicey.
COMMITMENT, CONSENSUS, COOPERATION and COURAGE on the part of ALL count from now on for Burma's freedom and democracy.
Daw Suu BE VERY AWARE of a dagger or a hidden gun for that matter!
Rusty Wrote:
14/11/2010
So happyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
I will pray for Daw Su the best for her future!
Oo Maung gyi Wrote:
14/11/2010
Daw Aung San Su Kyi,the only daughter of Burma, democracy icon, for your bravery and moral courage may you stay long alive, and please accept my heartiest salute.
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