ABSDF statement of the 8888 anniver

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Subject: ABSDF statement of the 8888 anniversary

                   ABSDF STATEMENT IN COMMEMORATION OF 8-8-88 
                              PRO-DEMOCRACY UPRISING
_______________________________________________________________________________                                                      
                                                  Date: August 7,1996

On August 8, 1996, it will be eight years since the 8-8-88
popular democratic uprising in which the people in Burma
expressed their will. The 8-8-88 uprising continued the
traditions of Burmese people who fought against imperialists and
Fascists for national freedom. On this occasion, eight years ago,
the whole people of Burma broke down the system of on-party
dictatorship and spearheaded the democratic movement.

The military dictatorship, condemned the movement saying that it
was the work of terrorists and brutally suppressed the uprising
by manipulating the army. The former Burma Socialist Program
Party changed its name to the State Law and Order Restoration
Council (SLORC) and continues to suppress the people.

In these eight years, under the rule of the military
dictatorship, the people have not only been deprived of the
democratic and human rights, but the health, education, social
and economic conditions in the country are also heading for
disaster. The military junta is totally without political
legitimacy.

The junta has expressed no desire to solve the political problems
with genuine national perspective. It continues to deny political
freedom, using force to quell the pro-democracy activists and,
crushing the democratic and ethnic resistance organizations in
the liberated area.

The ABSDF, which arose during the 8.8.88 democratic uprising, has
for eight years been struggling for the well-being of the whole
people, regardless of race, religion, political belief
and class, with the spirit of 8.8.88 which never bows down and
dares to confront the military dictatorship.

Faced with difficulties and hardships, the ABSDF continues to
undertake the historical task of the people to struggle,
sacrificing lives and blood, against the military dictatorship.

New generation forces, born of the 8.8.88 democratic uprising,
stand in solidarity with the ethnic resistance forces and the
organizations which are struggling for their political
beliefs, on the basis of anti-militarism, internal peace and
national unity. This is because of the perspective on national
politics which was generated by the 8.8.88 pro-democracy
uprising.           

As a consequence of the 8.8.88 pro-democracy uprising, the
international community has extended its sympathy to the people
of Burma for the human rights violations committed by SLORC, and
has offered assistance in the struggle of the democratic forces.

Achieving democracy, human rights and ethnic rights are of
paramount importance for internal peace and national unity in
Burma. These will not be restored as long as the militarism
exists in Burma, and only when the militarism has been absolutely
wiped out, can genuine internal peace and national unity be
established. Only then, can the social and economic situation of
the people be improved.

If SLORC genuinely cares for welfare of the people and the
country, it should initiate a tripartite dialogue with the ethnic
nationalities and the democratic forces led by Daw Aung
San Suu Kyi.

All the forces which have been struggling against the military
dictatorship are urged to strengthen their solidarity and exert
all effort to achieving a tripartite dialogue with the aim
of solving the political problems by political means.

The ABSDF appeals to the international community to continue
monitoring the current situation in Burma and to put pressure on
SLORC until it genuinely initiates a process of democratization.
The ABSDF, in loyalty to the monks, students and the people who
sacrificed their lives in the democratic movement, will continue
struggle until the militarism in Burma has been overthrown.



All oppressed people! 
Struggle against militarism for freedom!
The democratic goal must be achieved!
Long live the spirit of the 8.8.88!
                                             

Central Leading Committee
ABSDF
Headquarters
88 Camp