‘I Can Only Hope This Is a First Step’

In an interview with The Irrawaddy’s English edition executive editor Kyaw Zwa Moe on Monday, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s son Kim Aris welcomed that day’s meeting between the detained civilian leader and an International Committee of the Red Cross representative as a hopeful first step. He thanked ASEAN, China and other international actors for their role in securing the meeting, urged the regime to adhere to ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, and vowed to continue his campaign until his mother and all political prisoners in Myanmar are released.

Kyaw Zwa Moe: Kim, the regime has finally released photos of your mother’s meeting with the ICRC representative this morning. Perhaps this is the proof of life from the regime that you and many people have been demanding. What are your feelings and first reaction after seeing those images of your mother? 

Kim Aris: Well, this gives me some hope now.