National League for Democracy Under

[maung@xxxxxxxxxxx]

Subject:       National League for Democracy Under Threat

National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma
Tel:(202)383-7342 (202)393-4312   Fx:(202) 393-7343

---------------------------------------------------
PRESS RELEASE     PRESS RELEASE     PRESS RELEASE 
---------------------------------------------------

NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR DEMOCRACY UNDER THREAT
December 19, 1996

Recent protests by students in several Burmese cities have drawn the
attention of the international community to the plight of the Burmese
people.  The world has seen the military-led State Law and Order Restoration
Council (SLORC) for what it really is; a brutal military regime that is
denying the people of its rights and freedom.

The National Coalition Government is however concerned that the world's
attention may be diverted away from a more serious political problem; that
Burma's most popular party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), is
under the threat of destruction.

The NLD by virtue of its overwhelming victory in the 1990 general elections
is the only legitimate party with the right to rule Burma.  It is seen as a
threat by the generals who want to install a military dictatorship in the
country.  SLORC's long-term goal has therefore been to remove the NLD from
the Burmese political scene.

The indiscriminate arrests and jailing of NLD executives and organizers, the
attack on the motorcade of NLD leaders by military-backed hoodlums, the call
by SLORC leaders to "annihilate" those who oppose the military, and the
banning of the weekend talks by NLD General Secretary Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
are all part of the plan to decimate the NLD.

During the student protests this month, the military intelligence arrested
many student leaders and demonstrators.  They also rounded up numerous NLD
members, youths and organizers. While many of the people connected to the
protests have been released, NLD members continue to be detained.

In the meantime, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi  has been confined to her home
illegally.  Except for a few NLD executives, all other visitors are being
denied permission to see Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.  The leader's attempt to
leave her home to attend a luncheon by the U.S. charge d'affaires recently
was physically prevented by armed military guards.   Very recently, the
official media has accused Daw Aung San Suu Kyi of being a "traitor" and has
warned that she will be "destroyed."

The NCGUB therefore wishes to remind the international community that the
threat against the NLD is still very real.  The generals will destroy the
party if the international community turns a blind eye to the situation.

We therefore call on governments, organizations and concerned individuals to
protest the lawless behavior of the SLORC generals and express their concern
over the ongoing repressive activities.

		======= 0000000 =======