PRESS RELEASE (11/98) OF ME, WDC (r)

[khin_s_w@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

OKKAR66129@xxxxxxx wrote:

>                                    EMBASSY OF THE UNION OF MYANMAR ?? Which Embassy ??
>
>                                               PRESS   RELEASE  - 11/98
>
>                                                            8  September 1998
>
>  The Government of Myanmar Takes Measures to Ensure National Security
>
>                 The Government of Myanmar lifted restrictions placed on Aung San Suu Kyi in
> 1995. Following this the NLD attempted to convene a nation-wide party
> convention in 1996 but the authorities,  concerned that such a gathering would
> lead to a break down of public order,  were compelled to take action to
> prevent the meeting taking place.  However, in 1997 and again this year , the
> authorities permitted the holding of the NLD conventions in the compound of
> Aung San Suu Kyi as the situation in the country had improved. But the NLD
> misconstrued the Government's gesture as a sign of weakness and  adopted a
> confrontational stance. On 23 June 1998 it demanded that the Government
> convene the Parliament  by 21 August 1998.
>
>                 When the NLD found that its ultimatum was not met, it declared its intention
> to convene the Parliament unilaterally. It held several executive committee
> meetings and sought the support of the youth. It also negotiated secretly with
> other organizations and has been encouraging the masses to be out on the
> streets whenever opportune.
>
> The Government of Myanmar, gravely concerned that the NLD's unilateral move to
> convene the Parliament in the absence of a constitution could lead to
> confusion and adversely affect national security, has taken appropriate
> measures. The government invited a number of NLD members to government guest
> houses on 6 September to present its views and discuss matters regarding the
> NLD's decision to convene the Parliament.
>
>                 On previous occasions the Government allowed the NLD members invited to
> guest houses for a limited time to retrun home once the discussions were
> completed. It is understood that those NLD representatives who have been
> invited to government guest houses on 6 September  will be treated
> likewise.The Government  in order to ensure national security has requested
> the NLD members to cooperate with the authorities in maintaining peace,
> stability and national unity.
>
>                 The Government is encouraged by the positive response of the NLD members and
> hopes that an understanding can be reached to achieve cooperation in building
> a stable and functioning multi-party democracy.
> ---------------------