NLD's statements 25/26

[nldburma@xxxxxxxxxxx]

National League for Democracy
No: (97/b) West Shwegondine Road
Bahan, Rangoon

Statement 25(8/98)

1. The authorities have denigrated and insulted respectable NLD members 
that were chosen by the people in free and fair multi party general 
elections by unjust process of law designed only for habitual criminals 
who commit the worst of crimes.
2. The manner in which the authorities have acted is set out below.
a) A resolution taken at the NLD party conference held on 27-28 May 1998 
declared  "that the Central Executive Committee notify the authorities 
of the fixing of a dead-line for the convening of parliament"
b) In implementing that resolution, the NLD sent a formal request on 
23-6-98 to the Chairman of the SPDC to convene parliament on or before 
the 21st August 1998. Immediately after this request NLD 
parliamentarians were arrested.
3. The authorities have not only acted against the NLD parliamentarians 
but have  also taken action without justification against all the 
organising committees and personnel at state, division, township and 
village levels.
4. These actions of the authorities are totally unacceptable to the NLD 
and the leaders have a duty and responsibility to visit and support and 
encourage the oppressed and their families which practice is in 
conformity with Burmese culture and social obligations.
5. Therefore, the General Secretary and U Hla Pe, (Chairman of the 
Irrawaddy Division Organising Committee) have to-day at 10:15 a:m, set 
out on a highway by car for Bassein.


Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy

Rangoon
August 12, 1998




National League for Democracy
No: (97/b) West Shwegondine Road
Bahan, Rangoon

Statement 26(8/98)

1. The General Secretary and a member of the NLD were not able to 
accomplish their mission to Basssein, Irrawaddy Division which they 
commenced on 24-7-98. Yesterday (12-8-98) they set out again for the 
same purpose.
2. They are individuals whose movements are not restricted. They have 
peacefully and quietly travelled on a public road without the slightest 
intention of causing any disturbance whatsoever. The purpose of their 
journey was to visit the NLD parliamentarians and their families who 
have been wrongfully arrested and confined by the authorities after the 
27 May, 1998. Supporting and comforting the oppressed is in conformity 
with the duties of leaders and their social obligations. No person 
suffers or is disadvantaged by such a journey. It is the result of the 
political consciousness of a political party.
3. However they have again been barricaded and their car has been moved 
to the little wooden bridge at Htantabin township, Pandaing village near 
Anyasu. This action by the authorities is entirely without any legal 
justification and legal authority and under no  "rule of law'". 
Moreover,  it is in direct contravention of Article 3 and 13(1) of the 
Declaration of Human Rights. As Burma is a member of the family of 
nations it has a responsibility to respect and adhere to those 
provisions.
4. The little wooden bridge on which the car has been placed is 
constructed for the purpose of pedestrian travel. Whether it can 
withstand the weight of the motor vehicle is unknown. Should the bridge 
collapse under the strain and damage, injury of any nature, or loss of 
lives result, the responsibility lies on the heads of the authorities.
5. It is undeniably the duty of the authorities to permit the General 
Secretary and her party to proceed on the journey. The authorities have 
consistently proclaimed that peace and prosperity have been restored to 
the country. They have even changed their name from State Law and 
Restoration Council to State Peace and Development Council. Therefore to 
assert that for security reasons the General Secretary and her party 
have been prohibited from proceeding on this journey has no credence. It 
is a deliberate operation to prohibit the General Secretary from 
performing her normal political activities.
6. For the above  reasons, the National League for Democracy 
emphatically denounces the illegal actions of  the authorities.

Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy

Rangoon
August 13, 1998




______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com