"Aung San SuuKyi is to attend the VII Ministerial Conference"

The following interview is with National Security and Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of Mongolia L.Purevsuren, translated from “Daily News” newspaper.

Mongolia will hold the VII Ministerial Conference of the Community of Democracies on 29 April 2013. How many foreign delegates expected to attend the Ministerial Conference?

- Mongolia is chairing the Community of Democracies from 2011 and this year the presidency next goes to EI Salvador. As the Chair of the Community of Democracy, Mongolia plans to organize the VIIMinisterial Conference on 29 April 2013. Heads of state and government of many different countries expected to participate in the Conference. Mongolia attaches great importance to the Conference and weintended to introduce Mongolia’s commitment to democracy and share our 23 years of experience.

The President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj, ardent fighter for democracy pays close attention to the Conference. As the Advisor to the President I was appointed as the member of the Organizing committee of the VIIMinisterial Conference. Therefore, we have paid a working visit to Myanmar aiming to bring together world famous politicians and democracy fighters.

Did Mongolia invite delegates from Myanmar?

- We held official meetings with the heads of state and government of Myanmar, including the Chief of Staff of the Office of the President of Myanmar, Deputy Speaker of the Assembly of Union, Chairman of the Standing Committee on foreign policy and other officials. At the meeting, the Government and the Assembly of Union of Myanmar expressed its willingness to learn Mongolia’s experience and practice of democratic development and decided to attend the VII Minsterial Conference of the Community of Democracies. Also, we held a meeting with a Noble Peace Price receiver, Chairperson and General Secretary of the National League for Democracy Aung San SuuKyi. We conveyed the personal invitation of the President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj to Aung San SuuKyi to attend the Conference.

- It means that Ms. Aung San SuuKyi will deliver her speech at the Ministerial Conference?

- When the Ts.Elbegdorj was Prime Minister he sent letter to Myanmar calling for her release from house arrest. Also, at the VIIIAsia-Europe Meeting Summit, President Elbegdorj openly demanded the authority of Myanmar to free SuuKyi from house arrest. After, Ms. SuuKyi phoned President Elbegdorj to appreciate for fighting for her right.

During the 67th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, President Elbegdorj held a private meeting with Aung San SuuKyi. At the meeting, Ms. SuuKyi expressed her gratitude that Mongolia is chairing the Community of Democracies and contributing the bright future of humanity.

Myanmar and Mongolia have similar problems in terms of the mineral resource.

Myanmar held an election in 1990. Mongolia had held peaceful elections, but in Myanmar opposition leaders were arrested.

Mineral rich Myanmar draws global attention, therefore it has interested to study Mongolia’s experience in democratic development.

Generally, the people of Myanmar considered themselves Mongols. After the conquest of China, Khubilai Khan, the founder of the Yuan Dynasty, invaded the Pagan Kingdom of Burma in 1277.