KIO Leaders Await Suu Kyi (English Version)

The Kachin Post

May 19, 2003—Leaders from Kachin Independence Organization and Kachin people from Kachin State’s Laiza area were waiting today for Suu Kyi’s visit, while she set off form Kachin state capital Myitkyina to Bhamo, according to the sources in Chinese border.

Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s tentative trip to Laiza was reportedly scheduled to meet local Kachin leaders and KIO leader led by Dr. Tu Ja, gen-sec of the group.

Kachin leaders and KIO officers say that they were preparing to welcome Suu Kyi’s visit to Laiza area, near China border. However, Suu Kyi was not eventually pay visit to Laiza, instead of leaving to Bhamo. "We are curious that why not Suu Kyi visit here," said KIO officer, who is in condition of anonymity.

Kachi people in Laiza were waiting for Suu Kyi, however, there had been heavy raining that area. "We [Kachin people] have to support her because she is the one who can work politics right now," said Doi La, a community leader form Laiza.

A KIO officer said Burmese military intelligences allowed KIO to meet Suu Kyi if she would travel to Laiza, KIO’s stronghold area. KIO engaged cease-fire agreement with junta in 1994. Previously both NLD and KIO had no plan to meet each other.

According to the statement released today by All Burma Students Democratic Front on Suu Kyi’ possible visit KIO control area, military Intelligences are watching on her move of whether she meet with ABSDF members, who based in China Burma border.

Last Friday in Myitkyina, Suu Kyi met three Kachin political parties; Kachin State National Congress for Democracy, Kachin National Congress and Kachin National Democracy Party. All three parties were banned shortly after 1990 general election.

Suu Kyi and her entourages are to open NLD office in Bhamo, over a hundred kilometers form State Capital, tomorrow.