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PD Burma: Media Release



PD BURMA:  Media Release


The International Network of Political Leaders Promoting Democracy in
Burma (PD Burma) was launched in Geneva in April 1996 and has held its
inaugural annual meeting in Tokyo 10-11th March 1997.  Please find
included background information on PD Burma.

Bringing together the most distinguished and active political leaders in
the world, PD Burma has held two days of talks for the purpose of
implementing a strategy which will encourage the military of Burma,
State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) to engage in meaningful
political dialogue with the National League for Democracy, led by Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi and leaders of the non-Burman ethnic nationalities.  A
policy document has been approved by consensus.

Members of PD Burma have unanimously agreed to encourage the ASEAN to
impose some pre-conditions before admitting Burma as a member.  PD Burma
believes that if certain pre-conditions are met by the SLORC before they
become a member of the ASEAN this would add further to ASEAN?s good
efforts to increase the political stability and the economic development
of the region.

PD Burma calls on the Secretary General of the United Nations to take
all possible steps to implement the terms of successive UNGA resolutions
and embark on a massive international awareness campaign intended to
encourage more grass roots concern for the people of Burma.

PD Burma has also called on the EU and the US to implement legislation
which would restrict investment in Burma.

Members of PD Burma are grateful to its Japanese members for hosting the
meeting in Tokyo.  PD Burma expresses appreciation for the important
work being undertaken by the parliamentary group in the Diet to promote
the democratization process in Burma.  We believe Japan has a special
opportunity and responsibility to influence the SLORC to move forward in
the democratization process.


ENDS

Contact  Thomas Olsen 32621151 (RM529)

E-mail:  PDBURMA@xxxxxxxxxxx