Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi sent a message to Asia Social Forum held in Hyderabad, India, from Jan. 2 through 7, 2003. Over 1,400 representatives of non-governmental organizations from 40 countries including a delegation of exile Burmese human rights group attended the Forum.
The group reiterated its call to the international community to cut aid to the military government “in every form” till it complies “civilized norms” and halts crime against women.
In her message, Aung San Suu Kyi said, among other things, “I would especially like to address a few words to the Youth Camp because in my recent travels across Burma, I have been struck by the situation of our young people. And I want a new world for them. I want to be able to see them grow up in a Burma, that is a changed Burma. That is a country, which will provide them with freedom, security and with the opportunity to develop their potential. So I would like all of you, the young people at the Forum to do whatever they can to help our young people.”
Although she was supposed to address live on the opening day of the Forum in India, Aung San Suu Kyi said she thought her telephone was cut off deliberately by the authorities in Rangoon.
Former Indian President Narayanan also addressed the Forum and his wife – Daw Tin Tin -- a native of Burma was also there.