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THE FREEDOM FOR BURMA 9/9/99 SEMINA



Subject: THE FREEDOM FOR BURMA 9/9/99 SEMINAR HELD IN FORT WAYNE

FREEDOM FOR BURMA 9/9/99 SEMINAR  SUCCESSFULLY HELD IN FORT WAYNE,INDIANA
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8TH SEPTEMBER 1999

DBSO and Burmese Democratic Society  held  a seminar "Freedom for Burma,
9999" at Walb Union, Ballroom, Indiana University Purdue University in Fort
Wayne, Indiana,USA  on the 5th of September 1999. The attendees were from
all over the United States. Even guests as far as Japan  presented
themselves at the seminar.

Present at the seminar were Speakers  Professor Josef Silverstein, Professor
of Political Science and an expert on Burma, U Thaung, a dissident
journalist known for his daring journalistic works, U Tin Mg Thaw of
CRDB,Zar Ni of Free Burma Coalition, Htun Aung Gyaw of Civil Society for
Burma, Kenneth Rogers of Indiana University, Dr. david Horton, Julien Moe, a
graduate student  of NYIT, Dr. Winston Khin, Zaw Oo of NCGUB, U Bo Hla Tint
of NCGUB, Douglas Steele, Founder of BurmaNet, Dr Kyaw Hteik of Burma Action
Committee, Min Htet of DBSO, Dr Aye Kyaw of American Burma Institute.
Present were representatives of All Burma Students Democratic Front, All
Burma Federation of Student Unions, Burmese dissident students from all over
the United States, former dissident leaders and local politicians. 

The keynote speaker was Ken Rogers, Associate Dean and Director of
International Services of Indiana University. He was with the United States
Information Agency and worked at the US Embassy in Rangoon,Burma. As a
keynote speaker he covered his views, opinions, experiences and advice on
Burma. Josef Silverstein covered on strategies as to how to launch effective
campaign efforts on the military leaders. He also focused on the junta that
cannot be expected to respect human rights. U Tin Maung Thaw of CRDB talked
about the struggle for democracy. Htun Aung Gyaw of CSB talked about the
9/9/99 whereas Julien Moe, as a speaker of the Freedom for Burma 9999
Seminar Committe talked about possible prosecution of the members of the
military regime by the ICC. He gave the speech with a slide presentation. U
Thaung, the most distinguished Burmese journalist, shared his experiences
about Ne Win, BSPP and the generals' wealth and their mentality with a video
presentation. Dr. Aye Kyaw ,President of American Burma Institute, talked
about Political Thoughts of Young Burma:its strength and weakness whereas  U
Min Htet shared his knowledge and experience on unforgettable &th July and U
Thant Affair. Douglas Steele talked about possible but improbable obstacles
that dissident Burmese groups will face in the fight against  the  military
regime. Zarni of Free Burma Coalition  gave a speech about further
campaigning to un-seat Burma from the UN. Zarni said obstacles are what  can
be overcome  if  pursued persistently. He said it is just a matter of time
and efforts put to achieve what has been aimed.Dr Winston Khin talked about
the health situation in Burma. U Zaw Oo of NCGUB talked about the economy in
Burma. 

A video presentation by Julien Moe followed after the speeches. Julien Moe
presented his documentary 'Burmese Daze' at the seminar. Resolutions were
passed as to how to continue campaign efforts in the firght against the
Burmese military dictators and what to do. A working committe is reported to
have been formed by the attendees. Donations were collected and further
campaigns are reported to be pursued, based decisions made at the
conference. Local media people and  a reporter from Radio Free Asia were at
the conference, interviewing the dissident leaders.