Opponents of Myanmar coup form unity government, aim for ‘federal democracy’

Opponents of Myanmar coup form unity government, aim for ‘federal democracy’

At the same time, political leaders, including ousted members of parliament from Suu Kyi's party, have been trying to organise to show the country and the outside world that they and not the generals are the legitimate political authority."Please welcome the people's government," veteran democracy activist Min Ko Naing said in a 10-minute video address announcing the formation of the National Unity Government (NUG).While setting out few positions, Min Ko Naing said the will of the people was the unity government's priority, while acknowledging the scale of the task at hand."We're trying to get this out from the roots so we have to sacrifice a lot," he said, referring to the junta.A spokesman for the junta could not be reached for comment.The generals justified their takeover with accusations of fraud in the November election won by Suu Kyi's party, though the election commission dismissed the objections.One of the unity government's primary objectives will be to win international support and recognition."We are the democratically elected leaders of Myanmar," said the unity government's minister of international cooperation, Dr Sasa, who goes by one name."So if the free and democratic world rejects us that means they reject democracy."International pressure has been building on