[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index ][Thread Index ]

CDB Commemmorates Election Winning



Subject: CDB Commemmorates Election Winning Day of NLD

[The following is message from Desmond Than Naing, Chairperson of
Sydney-based Committee for Democracy in Burma, in commemorating the
seventh anniversary of the overwhelming victory of Daw Aung San Su Kyi?s
NLD.  The ceremony was held in Sydney on the night of 25 May 1997].    
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS-
FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS OF THE MOVEMENT OF THE RESTORATION OF DEMOCRACY
IN BURMA-
MY COLLEAGUES IN THE COMMITTEE-
WELCOME AND A VERY GOOD EVENING.

Thank you for coming here this evening to commemorate the seventh
anniversary of the overwhelming victory of Daw Aung San Su Kyi?s NLD
party, in the elections held in May 1990.

Our Committee has thought it our duty to focus our attention on this
event every year by holding dinner function like this, to remind
ourselves and the world that the SLORC generals have usurped power, they
do not have the mandate to govern and they continue their systematic
violations of human rights.

The United Nations General Assembly called for the restoration for
democracy in Burma in line with the will of the people as expressed
through the elections of 1990. The people of Burma made it quite clear
as to what kind of government they wanted. They want DEMOCRACY. We want
DEMOCRACY for Burma. We want to see the establishment of a democratic
government that will guarantee the rights of every citizen. WE want to
see the abolition of all the unjust practices. Subjugation of the
minorities and the poor must stop.

In a video tape which was sent to a press conference held at the Human
Rights Commission, Geneva on the 17 April 1996, Aung San Su Kyi said:-

? ANY MOVE TO IGNORE OR TO SET ASIDE THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTIONS IS NOT
ONLY TO INSULT THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE OF BURMA, BUT IT IS ALSO TO INSULT
THE WILL OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AS EXPRESSED THROUGH THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY RESOLUTIONS.?

She made a plea to the international community to take FIRM STEPS to
ensure that the authorities in Burma start the process of recognizing
the results of the elections held in 1990. Those election really
happened. It wasn?t a fantasy. It wasn?t a dream. It cannot be ignored.

After seven long years one country has taken the first firm step.

Our committee commends the President of the United States of America,
Bill Clinton, who on the 22 April announced his decision to impose ban
on new U.S investments in Burma.
The United States of America took the first step on the moon. They have
now taken the first firm step to restore democracy in Burma.  We thank
you President Clinton. We hope you can influence the world community,
including Australia to follow suit. This is a step in the right
direction, and in our view, this is the step everyone must follow.

Seven long years of constructive engagement has resulted in destructive
engagement. When will those who advocate ? constructive engagement ?
come to the realization that it does not work for Burma?s good.

Ladies and gentlemen :- constructive engagement is destructive 
engagement.

We had cause to be optimistic in June last year, when the Australian
senate called on the Government to put SLORC on notice that economic
sanctions must be placed on the agenda if the civil and political rights
are not restore to the people in Burma. It is almost a year now.
Clearly, the situation in Burma have not improved. Just a few days ago
about a 100 senior members of NLD party have been arrested. This is
obviously an attempt by SLORC to prevent the NLD from holding the
congress on the 27 May, the anniversary of the dishonored elections. In
relation to this incident, the Australian Foreign Minister Alexander
Downer has condemned SLORC and acknowledge that the tactics used by
SLORC are clearly design to destroy the political opposition and create
a climate of fear in Burma. If that is the case please ask yourself if
the Australian Government is doing enough to stop these atrocities in
Burma. Clearly, words are not good enough to deal with this evil regime.

We ask the Government to take one firm step. It is time!
We would like to see the Australian government follow the U.S lead and
impose trade sanctions on Burma.
We would like to see intensified diplomatic efforts to bring
international pressure to bear on the SLORC.
We also ask the Australian government to put SLORC on notice that the
diplomatic relations will be downgraded in the event of the further
deterioration of the situation in Burma, and actively discourage trade
with Burma including the closure of Austrade office
in Rangoon, and also to discourage tourism to Burma.

We believe that it is our duty to work for peace and justice not only in
Burma, but throughout the world. We are lucky that we are living in
Australia and can voice our views even though our views may run counter
to the government?s policies from time to time. We are grateful for the
freedom that we enjoy here. We would like the people of Burma to enjoy
the freedoms. Therefore, my fellow expatriates, let us all be united and
strong in our efforts to achieve democracy for Burma.

Thank you all for listening.

Long live democracy.

Long live Daw Aung San Su Kyi.