Dr Cynthia Maung’s comments are optimistic. And he is puzzled to see an NLD official state that the NLD never announces its future plans. Huh?

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2007 Hopes & Plans: How Burmese View the New Year
The Irrawaddy
29 December 2006

As another year of political standstill in Burma draws to a close, The Irrawaddy asked a cross-section of its people---those living in Burma and also e'migre's---to describe their hopes and plans for 2007.  The answers were surprisingly upbeat. The Burmese appear to be entering 2007 in a mood of guarded optimism, renewed energy and a strong hope for better times to come ...

Jimmy, a former student leader in the 1988 uprising

"I've decided to encourage Burmese people to strengthen their desire to live in freedom. They must make their muted voice audible. That's my responsibility, too."
    
Aung Moe Zaw, chairman of the Democratic Party for a New Society

"I'm determined to perform dutifully in the Burmese struggle for democracy. I hope that the New Year brings more awareness and attention from the international community and more participation by the Burmese in politics. So I wish for change in the coming year."

Padoh Mahn Sha, General-secretary of the Karen National Union

"The KNU hopes that genuine political dialogue will occur in the coming year. The military authority should open its door for this and we, all opposition groups inside and outside the country, should work hard so that our hope is realized."
    
Dr. Cynthia Maung,  director, Karen Mae Tao Clinic.

"We hope to improve the public health and education sectors in 2007. For instance, HIV/AIDS patients in Mae Sot do not yet receive antiretroviral treatment from Thailand's Ministry of Health.  I also want our clinic's health workers to be recognized for their professional work. Now they are treated just like other migrants. And we want to complete our children's issues research within six months. We also hope to increase our backpack medic teams that work along the border."
    
Naw Si Poe, a Karen refugee in Mae La refugee camp

"I want to improve my education. The situation in the refugee camp is not too great, although NGOs help us. So I have applied to join the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees resettlement program, which is now popular among Karen refugees. I think it's the only opportunity to develop my life. But I'm not sure I will get it this coming year."
    
Samuel Dashi, a Kachin overseas student
 
"Like other citizens of Burma, I also want my country to attain many goals. Right now, I am practicing, exercising and preparing to enter the field."     

Thxa Soe, Burmese DJ and popular rapper

"Two plus zero plus zero plus seven equals nine---a cool number. I've decided to work harder than this year. My new album, Ma-yaw-gin-hmwe ("Mixed Before Remixed), and the other album I made with my younger brother Bon Von will be released in the New Year. I do feel depressed when I see the images shown on the world service of the BBC, so I'd like to see a happy 2007 with everything going well."
    
Paragu, writer and owner of the Paragu Shantiniketan Library, Rangoon

"To sustain my library, in 2007 I will entrust the administrative committee of the library with the proceeds from my 120 books. And I am still writing many articles for several periodicals. Publishers have proposed distributing these articles as a compilation. So that will also go to my library. I also have a plan to organize literary activities to honor respected writers who have passed away."

Zarganar, well-known comedian

"What I hope in 2007 is the same as what I hope for every year. It is that things here will develop in the right direction. On a personal level, I have in mind to make a biographical film of our national hero Gen Aung San. Another dream is to produce an international standard Burmese opera, using traditional musical instruments and dancing. And I want to be a student in 2007. That means I want to continue my further education, especially in social sciences.  Anyway, I'll continue to exercise my right to say what I think. I don't care whether the authorities allow me to or not."
    
Nai Kasauh Mon, director of the Human Rights Foundation of Monland

"In 2007, we have to work at exposing human rights abuses in our focus area and make the international community aware of them. We will report serious cases in the ethnic region, such as land confiscation and [abuse of] indigenous rights. I hope that we can provide the information and ideas that will result in a way to solve these cases in the future."

Cin Sian Than, a Chin ethnic leader and elected MP

"We deserve a happier and better New Year [and] we are all working very hard to achieve this through peaceful ways. I want our friends outside the country and at the UN to join with us in making it a joyful New Year for Burma."
    
      

Dr. Salai Tun Than, retired Chin ethnic university rector

"I hope that Burma will enjoy freedom, peace and justice in the coming year. The current situation, however, doesn't favor participation by the people in political change."

U Lwin, Secretary of the National League for Democracy, Burma's principal opposition party

"You ask what plans we have. According to the nature of Burmese politics, the NLD never announces its future plans. I could say that we are just waiting to see what results from the UN Security Council initiative we took in 2006."

Nang Yain, general-secretary of the Women's League of Burma

"The WLB will hold its fourth conference in 2007. We will find our strength and weakness in order to perform better in the future. I really hope that we women of Burma can play a role in changing the political situation and developing the participation of women in society."    

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