ETHNIC NATIONALITIES COUNCIL

"The intention of the military is of course to cement their grip but in my opinion it is also an opportunity because they are admitting that in order to be legitimate they need the people’s approval so that is where the opportunity lies. So how can we actually make it so the people have their voices heard?

Now, the peak political body for Burma's ethnic groups has called on Australia to help set up a multi-national group to address the lack of democratic progress in Burma. The Ethnic Nationalities Council represents seven ethnic states in Burma, making up about 40 per cent of the population.

While the whole world is condemning the Junta after it's brutal crackdown against peaceful demonstrators in Burma , Chinland Guardian has a chance to interview Harn Yawnghwe one of the most capable strategists and influential leaders among Burma 's pro-democracy movement.

The following text is an interview given to the Chinland Guardian on the 17 May 2009