From Peter Gitmark (Conservative Party) to the Minister of Foreign Affairs:
Actors in and outside Burma have for several years tried to exclude Aung San Suu Kyi from political processes. Groups in Burma, which have accepted the military regime’s rules and will contest in the election, now say that Suu Kyi should only have a symbolic role after the election. The MFA has had this information for long time. What is the MFA’s view on Suu Kyi’s future role and has the MFA given financial support to groups which contribute to split the democracy movement and to build opposition against Suu Kyi?

Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre’s reply:
Aung San Suu Kyis (ASSK) party National League for Democracy (NLD) decided in April not reregister as a political party. The decision was made after ASSK clearly had signalled that she was against the election process. A fraction of the previous NLD has later decided to register as a new political party, National Democratic Force (NDF), to be able to participate in the election. Other democratic forces will also participate in the election and in several areas dominated by ethnic minorities it is expected that ethnic parties will register.

In the Government’s comments about the political situation in Burma we have expressed our understanding and that we respect the choice of NLD and ASSK. At the same time I think that we must respect that other democratic forces view the question of election participation differently. NLD, ASSK and democratic parties participating in the election are currently strongly exposed for possible reactions from the regime. From the international community it is therefore necessary with attention towards all parties on the democratic side and continued pressure against the regime.

NLD and ASSK are of course in a very difficult situation. Therefore we shall continue our contact with them. Norwegian policy ahead will be based on a wish of securing that all democratic forces are given a free and open role in Burma and we have clear demands towards the regime in regard to the ongoing election process. I do not consider that this approach contributes to weaken neither NLD nor ASSK.

Norway has supported the democracy movement and the exile movement in many years and we will continue to do so. At the same time we have supported civil society in Burma. De different groups inside and outside Burma all contribute to make every day life better for the Burmese people. Our support both to the exile movement, civil society and humanitarian work has a broad approach. Our aim with these efforts is to contribute to a democratic development in Burma.

Link to Q&A in Norwegian: http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/ud/aktuelt/svar_stortinget/sporretime/2010/burma_svar.html?id=609015