U.N. envoy Ibrahim Gambari released a statement by Daw Suu today as follows
"I wish to thank all those who have stood by my side all this time, both inside and outside my country. I am also grateful to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, for his unwavering support for the cause of national reconciliation, democracy and human rights in my country."I welcome the appointment on 8 October of Minister Aung Kyi as minister for relations. Our first meeting on 25 October was constructive and I look forward to further regular discussions. I expect that this phase of preliminary consultations will conclude soon so that a meaningful and timebound dialogue with the SPDC leadership can start as early as possible.
"In the interest of the nation, I stand ready to cooperate with the government in order to make this process of dialogue a success and welcome the necessary good offices role of the United Nations to help facilitate our efforts in this regard.
"In full awareness of the essential role of political parties in democratic societies, in deep appreciation of the sacrifices of the members of my party and in my position as General Secretary, I will be guided by the policies and wishes of the National League for Democracy. However, in this time of vital need for democratic solidarity and national unity, it is my duty to give constant and serious considerations to the interests and opinions of as broad a range of political organizations and forces as possible, in particular those of our ethnic nationality races.
"To that end, I am committed to pursue the path of dialogue constructively and invite the government and all relevant parties to join me in this spirit.
"I believe that stability, prosperity and democracy for my country, living at peace with itself and with full respect for human rights, offers the best prospect for my country to fully contribute to the development and stability of the region in close partnership with its neighbors and fellow ASEAN members, and to play a positive role as a respected member of the international community."
At this time it is being reported that three way talks between the junta, the NLD and the UN have been rejected by the junta. It is also being reported state run television channels are claiming that Daw Suu will be "permitted to meet the elderly leadership of her National League for Democracy - the first time she will have been allowed to receive visitors, other than official envoys, in three years."
Update
Members of Aung San Suu Kyi's party, the NLD, have met with are and are saying she will likely be released soon on the conditions of starting a dialogue with the junta. Though it goes without saying everyone will be doubtful that her release and freedom of movement will last very long or that real progress will be made on the part of the junta. It may be only a matter of time before she is put back under house arrest and that those members of her party who are not already in prison are arrested.
The September protest introduced Burma to a new generation of the international community. If history repeats itself this time it is possible the junta will have a harder time exercising complete disregard for rule of law or human rights.
Click here for a given analysis of Daw Suu's statement. It is important that we must not read her statement as a total embrace of the junta's halfhearted approach to dialogue. She is not only diplomatic but is considering how best to possibly consider the security and well being of the people of Burma. She knows she will ultimately, for the time being, have a limited reach but with care her influence will be permanent and guiding.
