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PRESS RELEASE (r)
Immediate Release - 8/19/97
N.C.G.U.B CONDEMNS RENEWED REPRESSION
The National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma
(NCGUB) strongly condemns the harsh prison sentences
imposed on 15 August on U Myo Aung Thant, an Executive
Committee member of the Federation of Trade Unions -
Burma (FTUB); U Cho Aung Than, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's
cousin and close aide; his sister (Daw Nge Ma Ma Than); and
her husband (U Myint Swe).
This most recent outrage by the State Law and Order
Restoration Council (SLORC) is a clear indication that the
generals believe its membership in the Association of South
East Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a license to increase its
repression. The other ASEAN countries argued that SLORC
would modify its behaviour after becoming a member. This is
not the case. Instead, SLORC has become even more
repressive. The government of the United States of America
and Canada were correct in perceiving that
SLORC would become more repressive. The USA imposed
sanctions due to SLORC's large scale repression of
democracy activity and Canada imposed sanctions after
SLORC became a member. The NCGUB once again calls on
the international community, especially the European Union
and Japan, to act now and impose sanctions.
U Myo Aung Thant was accused of trying to smuggle in
explosives into Burma, charged with "high treason" and
sentenced to life imprisonment. At the 27 June news
conference announcing the arrest of U Myo Aung Thant, Lieut-
Gen Khin Nyunt accused the NCGUB of sending in a number
of terrorists to attack foreign embassies and the residence of
SLORC leaders. The NCGUB was also accused of
masterminding the bombing of Lieut-Gen Tin Oo's home in
April. According to SLORC, the NCGUB and the FTUB as well
as other Burmese groups are being funded by the United
States Government to perpetuate acts of violence and
terrorism to cause unrest and instability in Burma.
First and foremost, the NCGUB and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
have always advocated non-violence. Political problems must
be resolved by political means. SLORC on the other hand,
came to power in 1988 by killing thousands of unarmed
civilians. Since then, SLORC has brutally suppressed all
dissent and carried out summary executions and mass
relocations by threatening violence, especially in rural and
ethnic areas. Earlier this year, SLORC also launched massive
attacks on the Karen, Karenni and Shan peoples bordering on
genocide. The National league for Democracy, students,
Christians and Muslims have also recently been the target of
violence instigated by the military leaders. If anyone is guilty
of terrorism, the generals are.
Second, according to SLORC's own account, U Myo Aung
Thant was arrested at Rangoon's Mingaladon Airport. The
alleged explosives were seized in Kawthaung, hundreds of
kilometres south of Rangoon. How can U Myo Aung Thant
then be guilty of smuggling in the explosives? Where is the
undeniable proof? Forced confessions extracted through
torture and psychological abuse are not acceptable evidence.
There is no due process in Burma. SLORC's Special Court
which handed down the sentence was a mockery. It lasted
less than ten days and merely confirmed SLORC's pre-
determined conclusion without observing any of the
internationally accepted standards for a fair trial. At the press
conference on 27 June, SLORC also listed a number of
organizations funded by the US Government through the
National Endowment for Democracy. The list allegedly show
how the US was secretly funding 'terrorist' groups in Burma. In
actual fact, the list is not a secret document. In a democracy
like the USA, transparency about sources of funding is
paramount. They are openly acknowledged and made freely
available to the public. By contrast, SLORC - a narco
dictatorship is not transparent about its sources of funds. At a
time when the people of Burma are having a hard time making
ends meet, the generals are spending lavishly and enjoying
life. The funds mentioned at the press conference were giving
by the US government to legitimate organizations involved in
promoting democracy or providing humanitarian assistance to
refugees. Only under a paranoid dictatorship like SLORC
could such activity be construed as 'terrorist' or anti-
government activity. Treason is when one acts against one's
own country. The people of Burma in 1990 called for
democracy and voted for the NLD. Working to establish
democracy in Burma is through the NLD is, therefore, not
treason. Those who ignored the people's will in 1990 and
continue to prevent democracy from being established in
Burma are the ones who are actually guilty of 'high treason'.
Third, these recent acts on the part of SLORC point to the
ruling generals' increasing nervousness about the current
situation in Burma. The crackdown against dissidents has
increased in frequency and severity. The rhetoric used is
becoming more hysterical and irrational - for example, the
accusation, without proof, that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
accepted a cash donation of $80,000 from an American and
the prediction that "she will perish after her raft has dashed
against the consolidated rock of national politics" are clear
indications. Therefore, based on SLORC past pattern of
behaviour, and SLORC's statement that it will take "preventive
measures" against the NLD, it is not unreasonable to assume
that the generals are becoming desperate and are planning
further drastic action. A repeat of 1962 when all political
leaders in Burma including those at the township level were
arrested and also a repeat of the violent 'coup' of 1988 cannot
be ruled out. People should, therefore, be prepared for any
eventuality.
The NCGUB is not looking on passively. SLORC must
understand that repression carries a high price tag. For
example, SLORC will have to answer to the international
community at the coming United Nations General Assembly
for its increasing repression. It is unfortunate for SLORC that
it does not require foreigners or expatriate Burmese to cause
unrest and instigate instability in Burma. The generals
themselves are the cause of the unrest and instability. The
events of 1988 were caused in large part by the two
demonetizations ordered by the Burmese Socialist Programme
Party. The recent drastic rise in the price of rice also has its
origin in SLORC's export of a million tons of rice a couple of
years ago at the expense of the people. The current economic
uncertainty, the falling value of the kyat, the hardships faced
by the Burmese people will be aggrevated if SLORC persists
in its repressive ways. Should this happen, SLORC's downfall
will surely follow swiftly.
'Be vigilant and do not be afraid. We will prevail. Be prepared
to protect your freedom and participate in the struggle for our
second independence"
Dr. Sein Win, Prime Minister
"I do not believe in an armed struggle because it will
perpetuate the tradition that he who is best at wielding arms
wields power... Some people think that non-violence is
passiveness it is not so... Non-violence is positive action. You
have to work for whatever you want."
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi