By Do Je-hae
Staff Reporter
Former President Kim Dae-jung met with a group of exiled Myanmar parliamentary leaders and officials of the Korean chapter of the National League for Democracy (NLD), headed by pro-democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi, at his home in Seoul Friday.
Kim made a contribution of $10,000 to the Burmese activists, asking them to use it to support Suu Kyi's political cause.
The fund was raised during a 2007 Seoul event held under the theme ``Free Burma (Myanmar), Free Suu Kyi,'' aimed at raising domestic awareness of the democracy movement in Myanmar and urging the release of the Burmese opposition leader.
According to a spokesperson, Kim expressed concerns regarding recent reports of Suu Kyi's alleged violation of a house arrest imposed by the Myanmar military regime ahead of her release slated for May 27.
Foreign media have reported that an American recently trespassed into the Myanmar opposition leader's home and stayed overnight, which, according to the military regime, constitutes a breach of the house arrest conditions. She is to be put on trial for allowing the trespasser into her home.
The parliamentary delegation is composed of several legislators who have been in exile in Thailand since 1990 after the military regime refused to relinquish its authority. They have since been leading pro-democracy activities from abroad.
During their meeting with Kim, the 2000 Nobel Prize laureate, the delegates explained the latest developments in Myanmar's democracy efforts as well as the current circumstances surrounding their leader Suu Kyi's alleged violation of house arrest.
``Korea also struggled under a military dictatorship for a long period of time before achieving democracy. I am sure that history will make note of your dedication to righteousness and freedom,'' Kim told them.
``I hope that you will continue to demonstrate courage on behalf of your people who are suffering under autocratic rule,'' he added.
The delegation also expressed their gratitude for Kim's consistent support of Myanmar's pro-democracy activists.