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Karen Revolution Day



STATEMENT BY THE KAREN NATIONAL LEAGUE (KNL) TO MARK
KAREN REVOLUTION DAY

January 31, 1998

Today, the 31st day of January 1998, marks the 49th anniversary of the beginning
of Karen revolution for justice, equality, freedom and democracy. We the  Karens
shall never forget this day.  Exactly forty nine years ago, our Karen people with
a view to obtain our national survival and freedom from oppression, tried to negotiate
with the majority Burmese political leaders by peaceful means. But due to the Burmese
leaders? policy of greater Burmanism, the Karens inevitabily had to take up armed
struggle. 

In the almost half a century long struggles of Karen people, which have been unwaveringly
led by the Karen National Union (KNU), countless number of Karen people sacrificed
their lives.  On this solemn occasion,  Karen National League (KNL) honors and salutes
all those who have led the struggles and given their lives for their people. 

KNL realises that every Karen national has a national responsibility to continue
striving for national liberation if the sacrifices of these lives are not to be in
vain. KNL welcomes any Karen organisation around the world for collaborative work
in the spirit of continuing the struggle for our national liberation and democracy
in Burma.  As a leading international Karen organisation, we vow to support and advance
the struggles of Karen people for justice, equality, freedom and democracy by focusing
on national planning and development programs and the international Karen movement.
In the meantime, KNL is prepared to work with the international community in order
to promote the cause of the Karen people and the image of the Karen struggle.  Since
KNL is not an armed organisation, it can and will freely cooperate with the United
Nations and its agencies, and other non-governmental organisations in its national
development programs.

KNL whole-heartedly endorses the initiative taken by the Karen National Union to
end the forty nine years of armed conflict by indicating their willingness to participate
in cease-fire talks with the ruling military regimes in Burma.  But unfortunately
due to the military junta?s spirit of dictatorship, the negotiations that have been
made in the past have failed.  In fact, the insistence by the military regime that
no political resolution can occur until the Karens lay down their arms is totally
unrealistic and impedes any possible resolution by negotiation.

We desire genuine peace and DEMOCRACY. The world?s continued interest and support
for our national cause are most indispensable and highly appreciated.

Towards our national liberation!
 
Department of Communication and Information, Karen National League (KNL)
P.O Box 256
Bakersfield  CA 93303
Phone/Fax 805-3220739
Email: knl-com@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx





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