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STATEMENT ON RECENT DETENTION OF EL



July 10, 1998

STATEMENT ON RECENT DETENTION OF ELECTED NLD MPS FOR THEIR NON-COOPERATION
TO JUNTA TRAVEL RESTRICTION

The National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB) is disturbed to learn
that a number of elected National League for Democracy (NLD) Members of
Parliament were detained for their refusal to submit to an illegal demand
by the military regime in Rangoon.  Without having violated any laws, the
regime classified these honorable MPs as "habitual criminals" and required
them to sign a letter of restriction on their travel within their country.
Peaceful non-cooperation with these outrageous and illegal actions by the
regime resulted in their apprehension and detention. Among those reported
to be subjected to this latest harassment by the junta were: U Sein Myint
Maung,  U Than Htay  (Shan State), Daw Hla Hla Moe (Pegu Division), U Thein
Maung, U Paw Khin, U Saw Shwe(Mandalay Division), U Kan Oo, U Myint Thein,
U Hlaing Aye (Magwe Division), U Maung Kywin Aung (Araken State), U Hla
Htun (Rangoon Division), U David Hla Myint (Ngaputaw township, Irrawaddy
Division), U Mahn Johnny (Kyone Pyaw township, Irrawaddy Division), U Mahn
Nyunt Thein (Pantanaw township, Irrawaddy Division). 

It is widely believed these arrests are part of the latest attempts by the
military junta to stem the growing dissent and frustration among the Burma
people. The recent demand by the National League for Democracy to convene
the elected parliament indicates that population of Burma's desire for
democratic reform is now stronger than its fear of the brutal regime whose
only claim to power has been its willingness to kill and oppress the
political opposition.   

The NCUB strongly condemns the military junta for these arbitrary arrests
and travel restrictions. As elected representatives of the people, it is an
insult to all of us, not just the individuals or the NLD party. During this
period of mounting tension and crisis,  the generals would be wise to
rescind these absurd orders and refrain from future illegal and irrational
actions such as these.

The NCUB gives its unconditional  support for the NLD's demand to convene
the Parliament, elected in 1990, in order to fulfill the wishes of the people.

We call upon the international community to join with us, the people of
Burma, for demanding military junta to release the elected MPs and for
supporting the NLD demand on convening the parliament so that it can
carry out its mandate  for peaceful democratic reforms.


National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB)