Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi was sworn in to Burma's military-backed parliament
on Wednesday, taking public office for the first time since launching her struggle
against authoritarian rule nearly a quarter century ago. The 66-year-old opposition
leader's entry into the legislature heralds a new political era in Burma, also known
as Myanmar.
Suu Kyi and her colleagues had earlier refused to join parliament
when the latest session began last month because they object to phrasing in the oath
that obligates them to “safeguard the constitution.” They want the word “safeguard”
changed to “respect,” and have vowed to work to change the constitution because it
was drafted under military rule.
But on Monday, Suu Kyi changed course, saying:
“Politics is an issue of give and take. We are not giving up, we are just yielding
to the aspirations of the people.”
UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, wrapping
up a visit to the Asian nation, praised Suu Kyi’s decision to take the oath and enter
parliament: “I also commended her decision of yesterday to take pause and become a
parliamentarian. I know it must have been a difficult decision.” Suu Kyi's National
League for Democracy party will occupy too few seats to have any real power in the
ruling-party dominated assembly, and there are fears the presence of the opposition
lawmakers could simply legitimize the regime without any change.
Nonetheless,
the new lawmakers are likely to bring a level of public debate to the legislative
body that has never been seen as they prepare for the next general election in 2015.