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ABSDF PRESS RELEASE ON THE RECENT B



Subject: ABSDF PRESS RELEASE ON THE RECENT BOMB BLAST

        ABSDF PRESS RELEASE ON THE RECENT BOMB BLAST IN RANGOON

Date: April 7, 1997              


ABSDF has received information that a bomb exploded in the Rangoon
residence of General Tin Oo, Secretary No. 2 of the State Law and Order
Restoration Council, on the night of April 6th, 1997. 
 
We the ABSDF would like to state that we had no involvement whatsoever in
this incident. We do not believe that terrorist acts of this nature will
bring about a lasting solution to Burma's political problems. We believe
that dialogue between the Slorc, democratic forces led by Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi and ethnic representatives is the most effective means to solve the
country's political problems by peaceful means. 

Since members of the Slorc first entered cease-fire negotiations with
Burma's armed ethnic opposition groups in 1989, an internal division began
to form within the ruling junta. Two powerful factions have emerged; a
military group led by General Maung Aye, Chief Commander of the Army, of
which General Tin Oo is a member, and a military intelligence group led by
General Khin Nyunt. 

Although both factions seek to perpetuate military rule within Burma
indefinitely, they disagree on the most effective means to do this.
According to reliable sources in Rangoon, the two main points of
contention relate to Asean membership, and the negotiation of cease-fire
agreements with the ethnic minority opposition groups. General Maung Aye's
group is against Burma joining Asean, and would prefer to force the ethnic
opposition to surrender unconditionally. 

We the ABSDF believe that, due to the level of security which surrounds
General Tin Oo, yesterday's bomb blast could only have been carried out by
someone within the Slorc. We therefore consider this incident to be a
clear indication of an escalating power struggle within the ruling Burmese
junta. 

Once again, we urge all members of the Slorc to realise that dialogue with
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic representatives presents the most humane
and practical solution to Burma's political crisis. 


Central Committee
ABSDF