statement of FTUB

[aungsan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

STATEMENT ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF 8.8.88
August 7, 1997

August, 8 is the 9th anniversary of the countrywide democratic uprising
in Burma.  On behalf of the working people of Burma, we humbly salute
the students,warkers and monks who have laid down their lives and made
sacrifices for democratic changes in the motherland.

The Burmese people have suffered under political repression and economic
chaos and have been social victims for nearly three decades under the
misgovernment of the former Burmese Socialist Program Party (BSPP) and
its protege - the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) -
which are one party authoritarian regimes.  Movements for justice by
students, workers and the other people continue to be brutally crushed
by the secret services and police.

Popular demonstrations for democracy, initiated by the students from,
Rangoon institute of Technology after the riot police killed student
leaders in Rangoon, erupted in 1988.  The protest movement rapidly
spread all over the country as workers, monks and people from all walks
of life joined in.  August 8, 1988 is the day where millions of people
took to the streets and joined hands with the stude-nts and workers.

During the short period of nationwide uprising, people came to learn
what freedom wars.  They were exposed to democratic principles, such as
freedom of association assembly and speech.  Student and worker unions
and other social associations were also formed during this period to
uphold the same cause.  In September 1988, representatives of local
unions held a general conference and successfully formed the All Burma
Iabor Union (ABLU)-- the last of the federated union that existed in
Burma.

The military then turned brutal.  Troops deployed on the streets killed
thousands of people.  The military commanders designated all major
cities, including Rangoon, as battlefield and troops massacred thousands
of unarmed demonstrators. Thousands more were arrested by hie riot
police,

Freedom and peace died on Septetnber 1,8, 1988 when the military,
callinig itself the SLORC, staged a coup.  Today, SLOPC continues to be
known as the most brutal regime in the world.

'Fbe Federatioti of Trade Unions-Burma (FTUB) pledges that it will
resolutely struggle
for democracy, human rights and trade union rights until a
democratically elected government is installed. on the occasion of the
9th anniversary of the nationwide uprising on August -8, the FTUB urges
the SLORC to immediately:

Transfer power to the elected representatives of the 1990 General
election.

Hold talks with the democracy movement, led by Daw Aung Saii Suu Kyi,
and the leaders of the ethnic nationalities,

Unconditionally release all political prisoners. students and trade
unionists, and

Restore the basic democratic principles of freedom of speech assembly
and association.

Federation of Trade Unions, Burma (FTUB)