Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi says six-party political talks on Friday will be a good start, but warns the country needs real reform.
Speaking to reporters in the capital Naypyidaw Thursday, the Nobel Laureate said an election boycott is still an option, but not likely.
"So it is good that the president now accepts the parliament's proposal for the talk, but the more important thing is to get the concrete results for the interest of people from this meeting," she said.
On Wednesday, Myanmar's major political factions agreed to hold six-party talks to discuss constitutional reforms, the upcoming elections and the new nationwide cease-fire agreement with ethnic rebels.
President Thein Sein and the country's army chief will meet on Friday with Aung San Suu Kyi, leaders from the upper and lower houses of parliament and one leader from an ethnic group.
Information Minister Ye Htut announced the talks late Wednesday after a gathering of dozens of political figures in Naypyidaw. He said many issues were discussed at the Wednesday meeting, which he called "helpful."
“Some of the discussion was about the amendments to the constitution, by talking about certain articles. We also discussed power sharing, distribution of natural resources, distribution of taxes. Everything that was discussed here could contribute to what you call the six-party meeting," Htut said.
Aung San Suu Kyi and her supporters have been pushing for several reforms, notably changing a constitutional article which prevents her from becoming president because her sons are citizens of a foreign nation.
The next general elections are expected to be held in November. The new parliament will select the next president some time early next year.
This report was produced in collaboration with the VOA Burmese service.
