------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------ "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ---------------------------------------------------------- ADDENDUM TO ISSUE #291 THE FOLLOWING IS AN ADDENDUM TO: The BurmaNet News: November 30, 1995 Issue #291: SPECIAL ISSUE: NLD BOYCOTTS NATL CONVENTION Editor's Note: Sorry for not getting these articles out in Issue #291. Although they are a bit old now, I felt they should be included. The NLD's decision to boycott the National Convention marks a critical moment in Burma's political history. Significantly, the NLD has received praise and support from Burmese pro-democracy groups abroad as well as various ethnic political organizations. The NLD's decision to boycott the National Convention comes after 4 months of waiting in vain for the SLORC to start a dialogue about political change. Now her supporters within Burma and abroad again have a concrete demand to stand behind, something that has been lacking since Suu Kyi's release. The SLORC is likely to crack down on the NLD and exert enormous pressure on the remaining National Convention delegates. However, the SLORC is also aware that the international community is watching them very closely. It is to be hoped that their concern about their image abroad will prevent them from doing anything drastic. HEADLINES: ========== ASSK: PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE NATIONAL CONVENTION KNU: KNU STATEMENT REGARDING NATIONAL CONVENTION WEST BURMA GROUPS: MEMORANDUM ON THE NATIONAL CONVENTION NLD/LA: STATEMENT ON THE NATIONAL CONVENTION ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AUNG SAN SUU KYI- PRESS CONFERENCE: STATEMENT November 22, 1995 Following is the full text of the statement delivered by AUNG SAN SUU KYI at her press conference on 22 November. THE OBSERVATIONS OF THE NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR DEMOCRACY ON THE NATIONAL CONVENTION A State constitution is a contract between the people and the government of a nation. Only a constitution that is willingly accepted by the people will endure the test of time. The National League for Democracy believes that if genuine multi-party democracy is to be established in Burma a constitution based firmly on democratic principles is an absolute necessity. The NLD was founded with the aim of achieving a genuine democratic system which accords with the will of the people, and of constructing a strong and lasting Union of Burma. It believes that the ultimate power of state derives from the people and that in a democratic nation there should be rule of law and a constitution that guarantees basic human rights, including freedom of worship, freedom of speech and expression and freedom of association. Further, as stated in its election manifesto, the NLD believes that the foundation for a strong, lasting and prosperous union has to be laid through a National Convention where all the ethnic groups of Burma can jointly decide the future course of the Nation. The overwhelming success of the NLD in the elections of 1990 was an endorsement by the people of its principles and policies. The State Law and Order Restoration Council (Slorc) has said it wishes to establish multi-party democracy in Burma and to return power to the people as soon as possible. Slorc declaration number 1/90 of 27 July 1990 states that it is the duty of the elected representatives of the people to draw up a constitution. On 18 October 1990, Slorc secretary(1) confirmed in a speech made at the KyunChaung fertilizer plant that it was the duty of political parties and elected representatives to draw up the State Constitution. During the preliminary discussions on the National Convention the chairman of the National Convention Convening Committee also stated that the elected representatives would be responsible for drawing up the constitution and that decisions based on the presentations of delegates would be arrived at through a democratic process. Political parties were made to sign an undertaking to abide by the terms of declaration 1/90 which remains valid to this day. However the National Convention has not been conducted in accordance with the terms of the declaration. The role of political parties, clearly delineated in the declaration, has been obfuscated. An examination of actual conditions within the National Convention reveals that there has been a shift a way from its original declared aims. The following are some of the features of the present convention: The elected representatives of the people constitute only 15.24 per cent of the delegates and thus are permanently in the minority. Neither the objectives of the Convention nor its working procedures were drawn up in consultation with delegates. Papers to be presented at the Convention are censored and have to be corrected in accordance with the wishes of the authorities. Decisions are laid down before an issue has been fully discussed. The Convention is making decisions not only on broad principles for the proposed constitution but also on its details. There is no fixed timetable for the Convention. The NLD as the political party that has received the mandate of the people has a duty to point out that its expectations with regard to the National Convention have not been realized. The work procedures of the Convention are not democratic and the basic principles for the proposed constitution include some which are not consonant with a truly Democratic State. These problems can only be resolved through dialogue. The NLD invites all concerned to join together in mutual trust and goodwill to work towards building up genuinely Democratic Nation in accordance with the wishes of the people. If the National Convention continues in its present form it cannot assist in achieving national reconciliation, genuine multi-party democracy, or a state constitution that enjoys the support and confidence of the people. These aims can only be achieved through discussion and dialogue. Concluding Statement -------------------- The National Convention in its present form is not acceptable to the people of Burma and because it not acceptable to the majority of our people it is not acceptable to the National League for Democracy. And a constitution that is drawn up by a National Convention that does not enjoy the confidence of the people will itself not get the support of the people. And a constitution that is not supported by the people will be nothing more than a piece of paper. So we call upon all those concerned to discuss the matter of bringing about a National Convention that is truly acceptable to the people and that will be able to draw up a constitution that will create a lasting democratic Union of Burma. It is for this reason that we have now put out this statement because the National League for Democracy has a duty to proclaim its position to the people who voted for it in 1990. We believe that our statement, our stance will be supported by the great majority of the people of Burma and it is our intention to continue along a path that is always consonant of the will of the people. Thank you. ****************************************************** KNU: KNU STATEMENT REGARDING NATIONAL CONVENTION November 28, 1995 From: KYO-USA <76613.2262@compuserve.com> The statement of karen National Union (KNU) regarding SLORC's National Convention to be resumed on November 28, 1995. 1. The Karen National Union had declared several times that SLORC's National Convention is not genuine, and that, through this convention, the country's basic political problems can never be resolved. And now, KNU shall also continue to stand firmly on this attitude. 2. During the procrastinating period for nearly three years, in convening this convention that has no one support, many delegates were put into custody and some delegates had abandoned this convention for lost of confidence in it and came to the revolutionary area. By just looking at the aims and objects, rules and regulations and the basic principles that were laid down in this convention, it could be clearly seen that it obfuscated SLORC's own order 1/90 and the promises made by the leaders of SLORC. 3. On November 22, 1995, the leader of the National League for democracy, Daw aung San Suu Kyi had openly declared that SLORC's National convention is not a just one. This declaration is firm and concrete. Any party or organization, who knows its responsibility and has guts to take responsible fo the country, ethnic nationalities and the people, must obviously and openly takes up this stand. 4. SLORC has heralded every day for the national reconciliation. If SLORC, actually wants to do this, he must immediately abolish this convention and paves the way for a genuine National Convention, a nation wide cease-fire must be declared, all unjust law and orders must be relinguished and must immediately begin a "Tripartite dialogue" that includes the respective representatives of SLORC, democratic forces led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic nationalities. 5. The present actions of SLORC, would not revealed its intention to resolved the country's basic political problems through peaceful means. Therefore it is necessary for SLORC to make a further step for constructive path. At the same time, every organization, that can take responsible and has guts to do so for the country ethnic nationalities and the people, must also resolutely endeavor to step further, constructively. This shall be the only way which can be least painful to the country. There shall be no alternative. November 28, 1995. *************************************** WEST BURMA GROUPS: MEMORANDUM ON THE NATIONAL CONVENTION 26 November 1995 From: fdhr!chan@unv.ernet.in MEMORANDUM CIRCULATED BY BURMESE PRO-DEMOCRATIC ACTIVISTS IN INDIA November 26, 1995 STOP SLORC'S SHAM CONVENTION Burma: Once a rich and prosperous small country in Asia. 12 years after independence and multi-party democracy, a military coup on 2-3-62. 26 years of military-led-single-party destroyed the Nation by Burmese way to Socialism Became a LDC in 1987. SLORC 1988, a student-led nation-wide uprising toppled three BSPP presidents. BSPP collapsed and some 3,000 young-and-adults sacrificed their lives. SLORC cracked down on the people's quest for democracy to seize the power on 18-8-89. NLD Aung San Suu Kyi and her colleagues formed the National League for Democracy. SHE was put under house-arrest on 20-7-89. NLD won by 82% of seats in 1990 election under martial law. SLORC turned down its promise to relinquish power to NLD. National Convention ( NC ) A new conspiracy of the SLORC was to write a new constitution. The National Convention commenced in January 1993. Unpredicted adjournments and undemocratic procedures. The principles already laid down are just to legitimize the military rule forever. Opposition All opposition groups who can express rejected from the counterfeit NC. NLD and others to their possible maximum, in the NC, tried to disapprove the NC. Two NC representatives from the elected MP group departed from the NC and went exile. One MP was sentenced to seven years for his critical statement against the NC. Aung San Suu Kyi Tremendous international and domestic pressure forced SLORC to release HER on 10-6-95. SHE asks for a dialogue to solve the problems of Burma on the basic of reconciliation. On 22-11-95, SHE, in a press conference rejected the NC in its present formula. Burmese democratic groups in India WE strongly denounce the SLORC's NC from the very beginning. WE say NC of the SLORC is a sham. WE give 100% support to HER stand. WE demand SLORC to stop the NC immediately. NLD and all political parties to boycott the NC. All 700 delegates not to show up in the NC. A substantive dialogue to solve all problems of Burma right now. A genuine National Convention instead. Burmese democratic groups in India (New Delhi) For more information: See provided materials issued by: the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma National League for Democracy / Liberated Area Burma Lawyers Council Federation of Trade Unions, Burma All Burma Students Democratic Front All Burma Students League ( India ) **************************************************** NLD/LA: STATEMENT ON THE NATIONAL CONVENTION November 26, 1995 From: chan@.unv.ernet.in M E M O R A N D U M ON NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE MILITARY RULERS IN BURMA The National League for Democracy / Liberated Area constantly recognizes Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as the General Secretary of the NLD and as the highest leader of NLD/LA's vision on the present National Convention in Rangoon is identical as that of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and NLD had recently said. General outlook - SLORC has no mandate to assemble such a convention, - at the topmost are generals who do not appreciate democracy and a democratic constitution, - it does not meet interest of civilian population, - it does not comply with 1994 UN resolutions, Delegates - the representatives were selected by authorities by way of military intelligent, - the representatives from peasants, workers and government employees are hand-picked because there are associations of them at all, - the representation of political parties is barely 15.24% of all delegates and NLD was placed at gun-point to choose its representatives. Proceeding - there is no time schedule of such a major task, - the official reasons of unusual adjournments are ridiculous, - the delegates in the meeting are put under convention-arrest as they were mixed with spies even in the bed-rooms, they were summoned and warned titution, and etc. etc., Decisions - decisions have been made without an impartial deliberation, without consultation with the people whom they represented for, - the chairpersons are just to read the papers dictated by the authorities, - though SLORC itself declared the task of National Convention was laying down the principles for a constitution, many small particular clauses we Minority problem - Alongside the democracy, ethnic question is a key problem to solve. But SLORC's version on ethnic issue can not be acceptable by the ethnic minori - The armed resistant ethnic groups had no right to express their vision in that conference, - They were forced to meet SLORC's cease-fire terms before they got a seat to observe and just for clapping the hands. Conclusion NLD/LA gives 100% support to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and NLD's perspective of 22-11-95. NLD/LA wants all delegates, no matter hand-picked or not, to boycott the N ical problem and to reverse its attitude for the betterment of all. The National League for Democracy / Liberated Area 26-11-95 ********************************************************