MEDIA STATEMENT JULY 24, 1998

[altsean@xxxxxxxxxx]

MEDIA STATEMENT
FROM ALTSEAN-BURMA (Alternative Asean Network on Burma)

For immediate Release: Friday, July 24, 1998


Manila, Fri: - Asean supporters of Burma?s democracy movement welcomed
Philippines? President Joseph Estrada?s opening speech at the 31st Asean
Ministerial Meeting for emphasizing the human dimensions of Asean and
called for the AMM to act decisively on Burma.

"We are concerned that the aspirations expressed in President Estrada?s
speech are being undermined by the AMM?s reluctance to act decisively on
Burma at this critical time.  Now is the time to intervene to help both the
Burmese military regime and the government-elect achieve their stated
intentions to restore democracy, human rights and the rule of law to
Burma," said Altsean-Burma Coordinator Debbie Stothard.

Ms Stothard proposed that Asean lead its dialogue partners to develop a
transition package to ensure that the Burmese junta dialogues with the
National League for Democracy (which won 82% of the seats in Burma?s 1990
election) and convenes Parliament.

Copies of Altsean-Burma?s confidential proposal were presented (outside the
Manila Hotel this morning) to Undersecretary Lauro Baja for referral to the
Asean Ministers.  President Estrada?s motorcade and other delegate?s cars
passed through the group of 50 human rights and labor activists from the
Philippines. Burma, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia campaigning for great
democracy and human rights in Asean.

"The regime is extremely vulnerable and is too nervous to allow journalists
into the country.  They are running out of money to feed their troops, and
are still afraid to re-open the universities.  The military has recently
increased its attacks on the NLD as a panic reaction to the party?s call
for parliament to be reconvened by August 21.

"Now is the time that intervention would be most effective - while the
military is shaky and the NLD remains committed to a peaceful political
resolution.  If Asean waters down its approach to Burma, it will be missing
an opportunity to help end the long-running crisis.

"we are not interested in condemning the regime - we just want to see a
settlement that will benefit all sides.  As long as Burma is in this state,
it will continue to be a security threat and economic drain on this region.
 Asean admitted Burma into the grouping a year ago despite protests and now
is responsible for ensuring that change happens," stressed Ms Stothard.

Altsean-Burma is a network of Asean-based individuals and organizations
supporting human rights and democracy in Burma.  It has a secretariat in
Bangkok (tel. 662 275 1811, fax 662 693 4515).

For more information, please telephone 0918 829 9029 or room 812 at the
Bayview Park Hotel.

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A L T S E A N - B U R M A
Alternative Asean Network on Burma
Tel/Fax: 66 2 693 4515 * <altsean@xxxxxxxxxx>