"Ten years have passed since Burma first convened a National Convention but some things have not changed... When Burma?s National Convention process began in 1993, the opposition National League for Democracy, or NLD, took part, hoping to implement the people?s desire to see Burma become a democratic nation. To create the illusion of support for their side, the ruling junta established the United Solidarity and Development Association, or USDA, under the leadership of Sr-Gen Than Shwe, for what it called "social purposes." Students, government employees and businessmen were forced to apply for membership in the USDA, which set up rallies in support of the National Convention, even while the junta was denouncing the NLD and its leader Aung San Suu Kyi..."