[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index ][Thread Index ]

Press Release(Washington DC demonst



Demonstration In Washington DC (Press Release)


A demonstration organized by the Democratic Burmese Students, the Committee
for Restoration of Democracy in Burma, and Burmese students activists, was
held in front of the Thai embassy in Washington, DC on November 28, 1997. The
demonstration was to protest, the Royal Thai government's (particularly the
Royal Thai Army's) maltreatment of Karen refugees and Burmese dissidents in
Thailand. We strongly believe, those actions are a part of a campaign by the
Royal Thai Army to oppress the Burmese democracy movement in Thailand.

 U Bo Hla Tint, a minister of the National Coalition Government of the Union
of Burma gave a speech on behalf the NCGUB. U Tin Maung Thaw from the
Committee for Restoration of Democracy in Burma, Min Zaw Oo from the All
Burma Students Democratic Front, Ko Roland from the Chin Youth Organization,
Burmese students activists and members of DBSO gave speeches. Burmese
students activists from Indiana, New York, New Hampshire and Delaware also
attended the demonstration. Statements from DBSO and CRDB were hand delivered
to the Thai embassy. A spokesperson from the Royal Thai embassy told us that
he will deliver our message to the Royal Thai government and that they are
also investigating the killing of Karen refugees. 

Reporters from Voice of America and Radio Free Asia witnessed the
demonstration.
(Here is the name and the number of the spokesperson the Thai embassy for
follow up information. Please contact that person and express your concern.)


Nitya Pibulsonggram (Secretary)
Royal Thai Embassy
Tel. 202-944-3600
Fax. 202-298-4782



This is a copy of statement we faxed to the US, Canadian, Australia, and
Norwegian embassies in Bangkok, Thailand. 

Embassy of the United States of America
Bangkok, Thailand


Mr Ambassador 						Date. November 28, 1997

We, members of the Democratic Burmese Students Organization(USA) request your
attention to the fate of 20 Burmese democracy activists who were arrested in
Sangkhlaburi on November 24, 1997 by the Royal Thai Army. Those activists are
members of  the National League for Democracy(Liberated Area), People Defense
Force, Democratic Party for New Society, All Burma Students Democratic Front
and MDUF. 

Those students have been living in that area since 1988 peacefully and all of
a sudden they are going to be charged with illegal entry which makes the
whole event really absurd. They have not done any harm to the local Thai
community or broken any Thai laws. The only crime, accused by the Thai Army,
is they are freedom fighters and pro-democracy activists. There are enough
evidences such as presence of the Burmese Military Intelligence agents during
their arrest and visits from the Burmese MIS officers, to conclude that the
arrest was an orchestrated  event planned in advance by the Royal Thai Army
and the Burmese Army. So, we are very much worried about the safety of those
activists. We also believe that the arrest and killing of Karen refugees are
part of a campaign by the Thai government particularly the Royal Thai Army to
oppress the Burmese democracy movement in Thailand in order to please the
Burmese military regime.

We would like to request you to bring up the issue of the arrested Burmese
democracy activists to the Royal Thai government to ensure their safety and
immediate release. We would also like you to use influence in your hand to
persuade the Royal Thai government to abandon the policy of suppression
towards the Burmese dissidents in Thailand.

We thank you for your support for our struggle for freedom and justice in
Burma.




Democratic Burmese Students Organization (United States of America)


Here is a copy of statement we delivered to the Thai embassy.


The Embassy of the Royal Thai Government
1024 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W
Washington DC 20007

Your Excellency,					                 Date. November 28, 1997

We, members of the Democratic Burmese Students Organization (USA) and Burmese
students activists protest the Royal Thai Government?s action against Karen
refugees and the Burmese dissidents in Thailand, particularly their systemic
maltreatment at the hands of the Royal Thai Army. Forced repatriation, and
killing of Karen refugees including the recent killing of a 10 month old
baby, the torture of many people and the arrest of 20 Burmese dissidents in
Sangkhlaburi are believed to be a part of the Thai Army?s campaign to oppress
Burmese dissidents in Thailand. 

We have hoped the newly formed Thai democratic government would not give in
the demands of the Burmese military regime, and instead stand by its
principles to respect basic human rights and take steps to foster the
development of free societies in the region. We are very discouraged by these
recent events and the Royal Thai Army?s maltreatment of Karen refugees and
Burmese dissidents. Evidence clearly shows that the Royal Thai Army is acting
in the interest of the Burmese regime by helping the Burmese junta annihilate
its democratic opposition. It is our hope that the new Thai democratic
government will help restore the freedom and democracy in Burma and value the
long term relationship between the citizens of the two countries.

The Burmese military junta, State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), has
even stepped up its oppression after joining ASEAN. We would also like to
remind you that SPDC, known as one of the most cruel regimes also provides a
safe haven for drug warlords who are flooding Thailand with drugs. Giving
into the demands of the Burmese military junta will not halt the inflow of
drugs, but fulfill its goal to annihilate its democratic opposition, and
encourage its further aggression. Amnesty International and the United
Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has issued statements and expressed
their deep concern regarding the safety of refugees.

We would like to appeal the Royal Thai Government to:
1.  stop the policy of oppression against Burmese refugees and dissidents
2.  stop the forced repatriation of refugees on the Thai-Burma border 
3.  conduct a thorough investigation of the killing of Karen refugees and to
bring justice
4.  take steps to prevent similar tragic  incidents
5.  guarantee the safety of detained activists
6.  release the dissidents as soon as possible 

 Burmese Student Activists
Democratic Burmese Students Organization (USA)