Myanmar's opposition calls for dialogue with gov't

0 Comments | Asian Political News, July 22, 2002

YANGON, July 19 Kyodo

Myanmar's opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) on Friday called on the ruling junta to enter into talks with the party aimed at solving the country's political and economic problems.

Party vice chairman Tin Oo made the call in a statement he read out at the party's headquarters during a ceremony to mark the country's 55th Martyrs' Day.

The statement eulogized efforts of fallen leaders in their struggle for independence and appealed to the government for speedy dialogue and peaceful solution of problems facing the country.

More than 300 people including NLD members, invited guests, diplomats and journalists attended the ceremony. Party general secretary Aung San Suu Kyi was present but did not make a speech.

In the morning the government held the official Martyrs' Day ceremony at the Martyrs' Mausoleum near the foot of Shwedagon pagoda in central Yangon.

Martyr's Day marks the assassination of Suu Kyi's father, Aung San, and eight others on July 19, 1947.