By SAW YAN NAING - Monday, February 15, 2010

Wearing a traditional terracotta-colored Burmese shirt and a black longyi, Vice Chairman of the National League for Democracy (NLD) Tin Oo arrived at the Burmese opposition party's headquarters in Rangoon at about 11 a.m. On Monday morning, two days after his release from seven years under house arrest.

Fixed on his chest was the emblem of a peacock, the symbol of the NLD, and a badge with a portrait of Aung San, Burma's independence hero.

About 100 party members had assembled outside the office to greet Tin Oo and he was met with warm smiles and a round of applause. Members also hung a wreath of flower around his neck, a mark of respect in Burmese culture.

Tin Oo addressed his supporters who were joined by local journalists outside the NLD headquarters.

“I will continue my duties as vice chairman of the party,” he said. “I want to urge all democracy supporters to work successfully together.” 

Tin Oo said that the release of detained NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi would be a “good sign” and that junta chief Snr-Gen Than Shwe had promised she will be released under the terms of her house arrest “if she behaves well.”

Responding to a reporter's question, Tin Oo said that he welcomed the visit on Monday of the UN's Human Rights Envoy to Burma Tomás Ojea Quintana, but that tangible results must be made during his trip.

Tin Oo was greeted not only by women and young members, but also by members of the NLD's central executive committee, including some colleagues who are in poor health, such as Lun Tin, NLD sources in Rangoon said.

“Many supporters came and greeted him. Journalists also came to cover his speech. Today was like a festival,” said one NLD member.

In 1976, Tin Oo, a former commander of the Burmese armed forces, was forced to retire from his position as commander-in-chief after he was accused of withholding information concerning a failed coup d' état against then dictator Gen Ne Win.

He was tried on charges of committing high treason and sentenced to seven years with hard labor in 1977, but was released in a general amnesty in 1980. He was later detained again, from 1989 to 1995, after becoming one of the founding members of the NLD in 1988.

Ohn Kyaing, a leading member of the NLD, said, “Tin Oo is one of the members who will lead the party effectively before the release of Aung San Suu Kyi. All party members and democracy supporters are very happy. This is very encouraging.”

A youth member of the party, Yazar, said, “I am very happy. I feel that I have got new strength and energy. I want to actively serve in my work. Tin Oo constantly considers the role of youngsters in Burma.”

After addressing the rally, Tin Oo held a meeting with NLD leaders in the party office for several hours before returning to his home at about 3 p.m.