Aung San Suu Kyi offers to help negotiate Kachin conflict talks
Burma (Myanmar) opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi listens as UNESCO officials speak during a press conference at her residence February 10, 2012 in Yangon, Burma. Suu Kyi is continuing a very public campaign ahead of April 1 by-elections. Her decision to stand for a seat in parliament is the latest sign of dramatic political changes taking place in the country.
Aung San Suu Kyi has taken a stand for Myanmar's Kachin minority, saying that she wants to help negotiate talks between them and the country's government.
"I have been criticized by some people for not taking part in peace talks regarding the Kachin conflict," Suu Kyi said in her video address to members of the National League for Democracy party on Sunday, the Associated Press reported.
"I have always said I am willing to take part in the peace process if the concerned parties wanted me to," she said.
Suu Kyi has remained largely silent on the conflict between the Kachin ethnic minority and Myanmar's army since it began in June 201, despite reports of numerous alleged abuses by the armed forces against Kachin civilians, Kachin News reported.
While President Thein Sein's government has reached ceasefires with most of Myanmar's major ethnic groups, the Kachin struggle wears on, AP reported. It is considered as one of the biggest challenges for Myanmar's leader.
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