The following are the translations of questions and answers at the Press Conference (1/2008) of the State and Peace and Development Council Information Committee.
U Hla Htwe (Nekki Newspaper): Last Friday NLD issued an announcement saying Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had refused any meals and provisions sent to her for three weeks. She would not accept anything at all later. The first reason of her hunger strike was that she was illegally detained and the government had detained her violating the provisions of the law.
The second reason is that she was denied medical treatment.
The third is that Daw Khin Win and Ma Thu Thu Wai (a) Ma Win Win Ma were both detained. So I would like to know the government’s stance on it.
Another thing is that does the government have any plan to free Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as demanded by NLD?
MPF Director-General Brig-Gen Khin Yi: You asked about the hunger strike. At the request of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, her lawyer U Kyi Win was allowed to meet her for two times on 8 August and 17 August. He was allowed to visit her again on 1 September. Similarly, at her request, her family doctor DrTin Myo Win was allowed to visit her for medical checkups on 17 August. When they reported to us after their visits, they didn’t mention that Daw Suu Kyi was going on a hunger strike.
Regarding her detention, I would like to say that all the government has done is in accord with the law. It is doing all the things in accord with the law. It will also continue to do all things in accord with the law.
Concerning Daw Suu Kyi’s release, as I have said, it will be done according to the law.
U Ko Ko (Yomiuri Shimbun): I have learnt that security has been tightened in Yangon. Is it because there is a possibility of further unrest and violence? If so, how will local authorities and security forces concerned take measures?
Regarding your explanation about Kyaw Htet living in the other country, how will you take action against him? MPF Director-General Brig-Gen Khin Yi: We have had firm evidence that those who want to cause instability in various states and divisions including Yangon are trying to incite public unrest by having links with internal and external elements. This is why security forces including MPF are taking measures in order to protect the people under the umbrella of law and to enable them to live in peace. Regarding how we will make the security plan, we have done as much as possible.
In Kyaw Htet’s case, we will go on in accordance with the police procedure through Interpol Channel.
U Ko Ko (Yomiuri Shimbun): You have said some NLD members get involved in terrorist acts. So What is the government’s stance on the NLD now and later?
Information Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan: So far, action has been taken against individuals who committed offences. NLD members on their part should not be involved in such offences. They have violated the law indeed.
This is why the action must be taken in accord with the law. Concerning with the attitude towards NLD in the future, it depends on the acts of NLD and its members.
U Nyein Thu (Hmukhin Shudaunk journal)
How many explosions were there in Yangon Division in 2008?
How about the prevention against the explosion?
The second questions is that according to the news on the Internet, Min Ko Naing and party said they cannot be put handcuffs and the police do not need to put handcuff on them. I would like to know about it.
Director-General of MPF
There were five explosions in 2008. Two cases were prevented and one case exposed. On 30 March, Ye Zaw Htaik of Thingangyun NLD took explosive course at NLD (LA) in the other country with the assistance of CEC member of Thangangyun NLD Khin Soe. He came to Yangon to commit destructive acts in the country. He was arrested together with seven detonators. On 1 September, one NGD member was arrested at his house with the help of informers and the people. According to investigation, 54 detonators, fuses, gunpowder and other materials and three timer clocks were seized. They will be used to blow up Nay Pyi Taw and other places where the security was not tight. This is the prevention. Another explosion was at the office of Shwepyitha USDA on 1 July.
In connection with the second question, I also read it on the Internet. According to law and Police manual 1381, those who committed offences whether it can be granted bail or not are to be in handcuff when putting on trial. This is why it is in accord with the law.
Another thing is that according to penal code (174) if a government servant summons someone when necessary and he refuses to be in handcuff, he violates penal code (174). He may be in six months imprisonment. Min Ko Naing’s refusal was not in conformity with the law. Putting handcuff on someone is according to law.
U Aung Hla Tun (Reuters news agency)
How do you review the role of Mr Gambari in connection with the efforts of the UN in the political development in Myanmar? Is his role over? Is there any arrangement for him to allow to come to the country?
Question No. 2 is that is there any arrangement for meeting of Minister for Relations U Aung Kyi and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi?
Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan
In connection with the first question, we will cooperate with the UN and Mr Gambari as long as there are efforts of the UN Secretary-General.
The meeting of U Aung Kyi and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi depends on her.
U Kyaw Swa Min (Flower News)
How about the preparations for 2010 election?
The Director-General of MPF explained that NLD youths got involved in the events mentioned. I would like to know if the NLD can stand for the 2010 election?
Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan
Arrangements are being made for the multiparty general election in 2010.
Every political party which is in conformity with the prescriptions of already - approved constitution and rules and laws on political parties to be prescribed in the future will have rights to stand for the 2010 election.
U Kyaw Swa Min (Flower News): The media is important in helping police to expose criminal cases. They need to communicate. So, does the MPF have programmes to meet media groups in Yangon and Mandalay daily or once a week to clarify matters related to criminal cases?
MPF Director- General Brig-Gen Khin Yi: I understand communication between the MPF and media sector. We have plans. At present, we set Commander of Yangon Division Police Force Police Col Win Naing as focal point. For the special cases you may contact Police Col Win Naing. Duty was assigned to Police Col Win Khaung, Director of Administration and Training Department as focal point in Nay Pyi Taw and Police Lt-Col Aung Naing Oo in Mandalay. You may contact them. So, you may cover news at the designated focal points when the cases of significance occurred.
U Win Aung (Eco Vision journal): Reporter Ma Eint Khaing Oo of our journal is being detained for about three months. I would like to know matters related to her.
Brig-Gen Khin Yi: According to their involvements, cases are handled in accord with the respective laws. All are ongoing cases.
Dr Zaw Than (Sankei Shimbun): All the Bureau Chiefs of foreign correspondents are in Bangkok. They wish to visit Myanmar. So, I would like to request the minister to consider matters related to visas for them within one year.
Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan: Yes, of course. I am always considering it.
U Hla Htway (Nikkei News Agency): I request to hold Press Conferences in Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw alternately.
Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan: I will note down the discussion of U Hla Htway.
U Aung Hla Tun (Reuters News Agency): When will be issued the Election Law?
Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan: Authorities concerned are making arrangements for all the matters in time.