STATEMENT FROM ABSL

[shar@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

                                            1st June 1997
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              STATEMENT ON THE DECISION OF ASEAN
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We,   the  All  Burma  Students  League  (ABSL),   strongly
denounce  the decision of ASEAN to accept Burma as a member
of  ASEAN.  The decision of ASEAN is an act of interference
into  Burma's internal  matters as  the military  regime of
Burma  continues to neglect the  result of the 1990 general
elections.  The  ASEAN  has  deviated  from  the  norms  of
international diplomacy with this decision. The
Constructive   Engagement  Policy  which   has  been  being
pursued  by the ASEAN  since 1991 is a  failed policy as it
could not make any positive changes towards the restoration
of democracy in Burma.

ASEAN  has  exploited  the political  crisis  of  Burma for
their  advantages  by accepting  Burma  as its  member.  It
encourages  the  military junta  of  Burma to  continue its
repression  inside the country.  The decision of ASEAN is a
mistake  which was committed against the long-term interest
of  the regional association.  It  could easily destroy the
mutual  cooperation and understanding amongst the countries
in  the region.  Moreover,   it threatens the  unity of the
regional countries in future.


                                       Central Committee
                                  All Burma Students League

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    |  A  B  S  L                         |
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