Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her opposition National League for Democracy party have ended their week-long boycott of parliament, after accepting oath-of-office language that calls on her party to "safeguard" the constitution.
The Nobel laureate and 42 other NLD colleagues will enter Burma's parliament for the primary time Wednesday. That they had objected to the words "safeguard the constitution," arguing the language was crafted by an army junta that ruled the rustic for many years and jailed thousands of democracy activists.
The tactical retreat came Monday, as U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addressed the Burmese parliament, in a show of support for democratic reforms initiated by the brand new, nominally-civilian government that took office last year.
"The dramatic changes sweeping Myanmar [Burma] have inspired the sector. And we all know that your ambitions for the longer term reach higher still," Ban said. "I even have little doubt that Myanmar will quickly regain its place as a respected and responsible member of the international community."
ReutersBurma's President Thein Sein (L) and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon shake hands before their meeting. Ban, speaking inside the administrative capital, Naypyitaw, hailed what he called the "vision, leadership and courage" of President Thein Sein, whose post-election initiatives include clearing the manner for Aung San Suu Kyi and her party's successful run for office April 1.
The U.N. chief also praised the international community for its moves to ease long-standing sanctions imposed at the former military regime, and called for foreign investment.
"i encourage the international community to move even further in lifting, suspending or easing trade restrictions and other sanctions," he said. "Second, Myanmar needs a considerable increase in international development assistance in addition foreign direct investment."
Meanwhile, in Rangoon, Aung San Suu Kyi addressed the NLD decision to be seated within the new parliament. She said she and her NLD colleagues were yielding to "the wishes of the folks" who elected them, and to people who have voiced disapproval for her party's boycott of the legislative body.
She is decided to satisfy with the U.N. chief Tuesday, earlier than Mr. Ban's scheduled visit to upper Burma's Shan state.
From WhatNewsToday.net
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