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 Home Campaigns Burma Education Resource Resources
Quotes from Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and others"I could not, as my father's daughter, remain indifferent to all that was going on." "I still think that people should not come to Burma because the bulk of the money from tourism goes straight into the pockets of the generals. And not only that, it's a form of moral support for them because it makes the military authorities think that the international community is not opposed to the human rights violations which they are committing all the time. They seem to look on the influx of tourists as proof that their actions are accepted by the world." "Burmese people know their own problems better than anyone else. They know what they want--they want democracy--and many have died for it. To suggest that there's anything new that tourists can teach the people of Burma about their own situation is not simply patronising--it's also racist." "I hope you can come back to this country one day and see the people when they are not frightened. Burma will be here for many years, so tell your friends to visit us later. Visiting now is tantamount to condoning the regime." "Tour operators and guide book writers should listen to their consciences--and be honest about their motivations. Profit is clearly their agenda. It's not good enough to suggest that by visiting Burma tourists will understand more. If tourists really wanted to find out what's happening in Burma--it's better if they stay at home and read some of the many human rights reports there are." "There are fewer tourists--[the boycott is] working, and the better it works the better for the prospects of democracy in Burma." "The military treat the civilian population as an unlimited pool of unpaid forced labourers and servants at their disposal. The practice of forced labour is to encourage private investment in infrastructure development, public sector works and tourism projects." "I don't think we have found evidence that sanctions have harmed the Burmese people, because they have been clearly limited and many of those who have suffered under sanctions have belonged to the business community. Naturally some ordinary employees have been exposed, but we have not yet found proof that large numbers of Burmese have suffered as a result of sanctions. Sanctions have a role to play because they are a strong political message. But also because they are an economic message." "My message to the foreign community is please continue to support the struggle for democracy in every way you can." "Until the process [of democracy] becomes truly irreversible, none of us can afford to be complacent." "If people are going to be arrested for expressing their opinions ... then how can we say that there is hope for political freedom in Burma ... how can there be democracy?" "Concerning foreign assistance, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will not protest any foreign assistance that is really necessary and that will really benefit the people." "We are appalled that they [military junta] are now using the international aid agencies working [in the Shan district] as a shield to hide their crimes." "We've always said that we are ready to cooperate with the SPDC and to talk to them on matters that will benefit the people and that will help the process of democratisation." "We can cooperate with the SPDC if the assistance is beneficial to the people and supports democratic processes. This is not different from what we have said before." "We have been concerned with the lack of progress. We should move on to a more advanced stage. We have been forced to question the integrity of the SPDC and their sincerity in achieving national reconciliation. I have come to the conclusion that the SPDC is not interested in national reconciliation." "To ignore the result of the 1990 elections is to have total disrespect for the people and is also an insult to the people...They [SPDC] have broken the legally binding promise undertaken by them. It is not for the NLD to be repeatedly asking for parliament to be convened...The political, economic and social problems facing the nation today can best be solved by convening and working through the People's Parliament. We are prepared to speedily set in motion a meaningful political dialogue." "The rule of law means a system that provides security for the country and the people where everybody is equally protected within the framework of the law. But we must try hard to obtain democracy. Remember, nothing is free and nothing is easy. Democracy is not only your rights but there is also responsibility. Economics and politics are inseparable. A bad political system contributes to a bad economic system." "Please use your liberty to promote ours." "There will be change because all the military have are guns." "Sometimes it is better to have the people of the world on your side than the governments of the world." "We treasure your support very much. But I don't want you to hurt anyone, especially don't do anything that is ugly and cumbersome to the people." "There is a climate of fear but within this climate of fear I'm very proud to say there are many, many brave people ... they're committed enough to carry on with their work, in spite of their fear. Those are the really courageous ones and I'm very proud of them." "People are increasingly unhappy about the whole situation, not just about the economy but about the state of education, about the state of health care, about many things ... That is why I think there is a need for speedy change. It's not enough just talking about change, there has to be change." "... we have got to see what the government is going to do, how much goodwill they are going to demonstrate towards the people ... After all they have always claimed that they want to democratise Burma." "The battle against AIDS is not merely a health issue, it is a battle against ignorance, poverty, indifference, prejudice and callousness." "When democracy is restored and the people are free, the Burmese democracy movement would gladly welcome visitors to Burma. However, tourists should definitely not visit Burma yet as tourist dollars are helping prop up the illegitimate military regime ruling the country. The Burmese people want an end to military rule in Burma and to re-establish contacts with the rest of the world. However, it is our opinion that visiting Burma now will only help the military to remain in power." Web Sites For further quotes from Burmese leaders and activisits, please visit our Links Page. Contact Details Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA Ph: (02) 9264 9343 Fax: (02) 9261 1118 office@apheda.org.au Burma Education Resource Resources
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