NCGUB STANCE ON SLORC TALKS OFFER

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/* Written  8:34 PM  Jul 15, 1994 by maung in igc:soc.cult.burma */
/* ---------- "NCGUB STANCE ON SLORC TALKS OFFER" ---------- */
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The following is a statement released by the National Coalition
Government of the Union of Burma on July 12, 1994 regarding Khin
Nyunt's Offer to meet Aung San Suu Kyi.
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Statement Regarding SLORC's Plan To Meet Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
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The National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma notes with
interest statement by  General Khin Nyunt, secretary-1 of the State
Law and Order Restoration Council, SLORC, regarding his decision to
hold talks with the leader of the democratic movement, Daw Aung San 
Suu Kyi, and his willingness to "work hand in hand with politicians 
who have opposed us in the past."

It has always been the position of  the leaders of the democratic 
movement in Burma, including the NCGUB and particularly Daw Aung San 
Suu Kyi, to settle political problems through dialogue. This position 
has been made known to the military leaders time and again by Daw Aung 
San Suu Kyi since the very first days of the nationwide uprising for 
democracy.

What Burma needs today is genuine goodwill on the part of all the 
parties involved. Prevailing problems can be resolved with sincere 
efforts by all.  The NCGUB believes that the proposed talks with Daw 
Aung San Suu Kyi by General Khin Nyunt should be aimed at resolving 
the political problems at home.   Talks at a personal level would not 
benefit the nation.

SLORC therefore needs to show that its latest decision is not just a 
PR effort aimed at easing international pressure and gaining support 
at international forums.  As the first step, we believe SLORC should  
release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi before July 20 and set the exact date to 
begin the dialogue.  It would be a gesture welcomed by the people in 
Burma as well as the international community.

To genuinely begin the national reconciliation process, SLORC needs to 
give up its goal of imposing military supremacy over civilian rule 
through the national convention. The convention, which has gained no 
recognition at home or within the international community, should be 
abandoned completely and an alternate political programme that would 
lead to democratization and national reconciliation should be explored 
during the talks with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

As Daw Aung San Suu Kyi once said, "now is the time for everyone to 
think about the country rather than about a political party or an 
organization."

July 12, 1994