Transcript of: Suu Kyi wrestles with how to harness appeal
LESTER HOLT, anchor:
Another story of freedom that has captured the world's attention tonight, the story of
Aung San Suu Kyi
. The pro-democracy leader was released from house arrest yesterday, triggering a wave of thousands of people to rush to her home, as you saw in this broadcast last night. It happened in
Myanmar
. Some still call it
Burma
. And the question there tonight is, what's next? Our report tonight from
John Irvine
of our British broadcasting partner,
ITN
.
JOHN IRVINE reporting:
Aung San Suu Kyi
leaving home a free woman
for the first time
in seven years. Quickly word spread around
Rangoon
the lady was out and about heading to a political rally. If she was hoping for a low-key drive to party headquarters, well, it just hasn't worked out that way. She's managed to bring the center of
Rangoon
virtually to a standstill. When she finally made it to her party offices, there were thousands of well wishers. Her affinity with the masses appears to be undiminished. But how might she choose to harness her appeal? Interestingly, she told the crowd that she bore her jailers no ill will. Later, at a chaotic news conference, I asked her about future relations with
Burma
's generals. How are you going to use your moral authority? Are you willing to compromise with
Burma
's rulers, or will your opposition be totally?
Mr. AUNG SAN SUU KYI:
I certainly would not like to use whatever authority I have, moral or otherwise, to incite hatred. This is what we should not do. I am for national reconciliation.
IRVINE:
So far she has chosen her words carefully and has not openly criticized
Burma
's regime. She says the generals have nothing to fear from her. But she's not what they're afraid of, it's her popularity.
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