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Date: Mon Jan  8 00:32:35 1996
Subject: Statement of the International Convention
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STATEMENT OF THE CONVENTION FOR THE RESTORATION OF 
DEMOCRACY IN BURMA
 
NEW DELHI, 4-6 JANUARY, 1996.
 
The international convention for the Restoration of Democracy meeting in 
New Delhi from 4-6 Jan, 1996 declare that :
 
- The total denial of democracy, fundamental rights and freedoms, and the will 
of people of Burma as expressed in the 1990 general elections,
 
- The continuation of an illegal military dictatorship and the expanding of 
domination of the military over all aspects of Burmese society,
 
- The lack of a comprehensive political solution to the civil war, and
 
- The continuing gross human rights violations against the people of Burma -
constitute a serious threat to regional and international security and stability.
 
I. Constitutional Issues:
-----------------------------
The Convention believe
a) that a tripartite dialogue involving the Burmese democracy movement led by 
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the ethnic national and the military, is the best was to 
achieve national reconciliation and the restoration of democracy in Burma.
 
b) that the current National Convention to draft a new Constitution to 
legitimize military rule in Burma is an illegal and unrepresentative body with 
no mandate whatsoever from the people of Burma.
 
c) that a federal system of government is the best long-term solution to 
Burma's long running civil war.
 
The International Convention for the Restoration of Democracy in Burma, 
therefore, strongly supports the National League for Democracy's withdrawal 
from the sham National Convention in Rangoon, and urge all governments to 
not recognize any conclusions adopted by the National Convention.
 
II. Human Rights
----------------------
The Convention strongly condemns the continued human rights abuses in Burma, 
including the free flow of information, forced labor, particularly of women and 
children, force conscription and violation of cultural and religious rights. We specially 
condemn the denial of labor rights and the violations of the fights of the women.
 
We demand of SLORC to immediately release all political prisoners.
 
Recognizing that thousands of Burmese are forced to leave their homes, we call for 
the recognition, support and protection for these refugees according to international 
established principles. This appeal is particularly directed to Burma's neighbors.
 
We call on the UNHCR to exercise its mandate to protect and provide safe havens to 
refugees from Burma.
 
The international community must have access to Burmese refugees.
 
III. Constructive Engagement
-------------------------------------
Recognizing that the policy of constructive engagement in its various forms 
actually strengthen the SLORC and allows it to continue its repressive policies, 
the Convention call for
 
a) and need to all international investments and trade with Burma,
b) all supporters of freedom and democracy to boycott products of companies 
investing and trading with Burma,
c) a total boycott of "Visit Myanmar Year 1996".
d) government and international financial institution to refrain from assisting the 
illegal military junta in Burma,
e) A the world's largest democracy, the government f India should desist from 
cooperating with the military regime in Burma and respond positively to 
Aung San Suu Kyi's appeal to India to support the democracy movement.
 
IV. China- Burma Axis
-----------------------------
 
The Convention calls upon countries in the region, particularly Indian to recognize 
that a democratic Burma with a strong civil society is the best means to ensure 
stability and guard against the possibility of the domination by regional super 
powers.
 
We are deeply disturbed by the threat to regional and international health and 
security represented by the rapid and uncontrolled spread of HIV/AIDS, heroin 
and opium from Burma,
 
and we do not believe that any military regime can effectively implement policies 
to these problems.
 
In conclusion, the Convention calls on all governments and freedom loving 
people to find practical ways to support the Burmese democracy movement 
and help restore genuine democracy to Burma.