|
"These days I am coming across what I call reckless optimism," she told the room packed with several hundred people and a wall of TV cameras. She drew applause, saying, "A little bit of healthy skepticism I think is in order." Myanmar's reforms have prompted the U.S. and Europe to ease economic sanctions they imposed during the military's regime, but many human rights groups have warned that while those moves are good for the country's development they will weaken incentives to continue democratic reforms. At a news conference later Friday, Suu Kyi said she didn't doubt Thein Sein's desire to make reforms but that he was not the country's sole power. "I do believe in the sincerity of the president when he speaks of his commitment to reform," she said. "But I also recognize that he's not the only person in government. And, as I keep repeating, there's the military to be reckoned with." Thein Sein had been scheduled to address the forum but withdrew after Suu Kyi's attendance was announced, amid speculation he felt he might be upstaged. Energy Minister Than Htay attended in his stead and announced Friday that Myanmar would host the forum next year. Suu Kyi's speech lasted about 10 minutes and was followed by a 15-minute question-answer session with Schwab. He ended the event by asking Suu Kyi what went through her mind when she stepped off the airplane after 24 years in Myanmar. Suu Kyi said she was stunned before she even left the plane. "It struck me that 30 years ago my attention would have been riveted on the control panel, not all the lights below," she said. Bangkok's urban sprawl glittering at night stood in stark contrast to sleepy Yangon, where rolling blackouts due to electricity shortages have spurred protests for more than a week. "When I left Burma three days ago there were candlelight demonstrations all over the country," she said. The two cities were once not so far apart but now: "The difference is considerable." She drew laughter from the audience by adding: "What went through my mind was,
'We need an energy policy!'"
[Associated
Press;
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
News | Sports | Business | Rural Review | Teaching & Learning | Home and Family | Tourism | Obituaries
Community |
Perspectives
|
Law & Courts |
Leisure Time
|
Spiritual Life |
Health & Fitness |
Teen Scene
Calendar
|
Letters to the Editor