Opposition Leader Apologizes to Ethnic Groups

Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi apologized today for the weak efforts by the country’s Burman majority in fostering national unity among ethnic races. Suu Kyi made the remarks this morning, while addressing more than 2,000 supporters during a one-hour speech marking the reopening of the National League for Democracy’s (NLD) Taunggyi office, according to NLD sources. NLD spokesperson U Lwin told The Irrawaddy that she made the apology as a Burman and said it was necessary for all nationalities in Burma to participate together in the country’s reconciliation process. Aung San Suu Kyi has continually called for the need for tripartite dialogue in Burma since she was released from 19 months of house arrest on May 6. The democracy leader has been touring Shan State for over a week now while reopening NLD offices. She has also been conducting meetings with prominent Shan leaders, including U Shwe Ohn from the Democratic League for the National Races of the Shan, which was formed in 1988 and later banned by the junta. U Shwe Ohn is a veteran politician, and has been involved in politics for over 50 years. According to U Lwin, Suu Kyi will leave tomorrow for northern Shan State, where she will visit Lashio and other towns. He could not confirm when she would return to Rangoon. Due to a lack of infrastructure in Shan State, Suu Kyi has been traveling by airplane when necessary. This is the first time the regime has permitted her to board an airplane in 14 years.