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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