Sunday, February 14, 2010

Tin Oo expects Suu Kyi to be released

 
Sunday, 14 February 2010 00:28 Mizzima News

Interview with Dr. Win Naing

Mizzima Assistant Editor Ye Yint Aung interviews NLD Central Executive Committee member and spokesperson Dr. Win Naing, who was on the scene at the release of NLD Vice-Chairperson Tin Oo. According to Win Naing, Tin Oo revealed he also expects party Chairperson Aung San Suu Kyi to also soon be released.

Q: Please tell us the scene as Tin Oo was released?

A: Two cars entered at 8:30 p.m., one a saloon car and the other a van. They opened the gate and we saw them taking photographs. After doing what they had to do inside the house for about 10 to15 minutes they left the house. The gate was left open when they left the security personnel posted at his house were withdrawn. Then all of us, including reporters, rushed into the house. When we got into the house uncle (Win Tin) welcomed us. Then he (Tin Oo) answered questions asked by reporters.

One of the two main questions asked regarded his stand and position on the US’s new engagement policy towards Burma. He replied that this was good and long overdue.

Regarding the leadership of the NLD party, he will follow the leadership of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Uncle (Tin Oo) replied that he would accept and work on the policies and principles as laid down by the party.

Q: How did you feel when you first saw Tin Oo after his release?

A: He was extremely happy and so were we. We forgot everything about our hunger and the biting of mosquitoes and sand flies. All of us were happy. Uncle was also happy. He smiled and patiently answered questions asked by reporters. We sat around him too. After the media people left he talked with us, admonished us, and then we knelt down before him and offered our obeisance to him.

Q: Please tell us briefly about the scene inside the house?

A: There were about 25 reporters inside the house as soon as we entered. They asked him questions. The last people left inside his house were CEC members, family members and party youth members. The room is about 20 feet by 20 feet. There were about 40 to 45 people, including reporters, inside his house.

Q: How will Tin Oo serve the party?

A: Since he is the Vice-Chairman of the party, he will continue to perform his duty as party Vice-Chairman. He will discuss his role with the party Chairman. Then he will do what he has to do. He will also see and greet party leaders who are not in good health such as Lun Tin and U Lwin.

Q: How about Tin Oo’s eye condition?

A: He has to make more visits to the eye surgeon. He told us he visited eye specialist Than Aung and his vision is weak.

Q: How did he analyze the current situation of Burmese politics?

A: He didn’t talk to us about this. But he said that he would follow the policies and principles laid down by party.

Q: What else do you want to add?

A: He said that he was not too happy, as his detention was due to expire today and he must be released. But he wore a big smile. His wife also smiled. He said that he would try to meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi after his release. Previously, he noted, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been released soon after his release.