"...Burma is composed of various ethnic nationalities, including the majority Burman people. The situation of the non-Burman ethnic nationalities has been a political issue in Burma for hundreds of years. The struggle for democracy and human rights in Burma cannot be separated from the struggle for the self-determination by the non-Burman ethnic peoples. Long-term peace, freedom and justice for all people in Burma will never be realised unless the issue of non-Burman ethnic peoples is properly resolved and their rights are guaranteed in accordance with the constitution and other laws. To appreciate the importance of the ethnic issue and the need for its proper political resolution, it is necessary to examine it in depth..."