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NLD Annual Statement on 10th Annive
- Subject: NLD Annual Statement on 10th Annive
- From: nldburma@xxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sun, 27 Sep 1998 21:33:00
NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR DEMOCRACY ANNUAL STATEMENT ON THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY
STATEMENT 74 (9/98)
1. Today is the 1Oth anniversary of the founding of the National League
for Democracy.
2. In the month of August 1988, there was a spontaneous and united
outburst in the struggle for democracy by all classes, all ages, all
nationalities and from every strata in Burma. Lives, blood and sweat in
great quantity was sacrificed/invested to produce the democratic
system for a new Burma. The National League for Democracy was created
and founded on the 27 September 1988 to implement and fulfil the deep
and great desire of the people as evidenced by the revolution of the
spirit which is a great landmark in our history.
3. The National League for Democracy comprises people from every social
strata from the different nationalities and persons of great stature and
understanding of military and political affairs. These knowledgeable
academics and technicians united with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter
of our great leader General Aung San are revered and respected by the
people. This party was registered under the Political Registration Act
on 27.9.88 and is a legally continued organisation.
4. The National League for Democracy declared the policy that was
adopted from its inception. Some of these are given below.
- We will do our utmost to observe the rules laid down in the United
Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the democratic system.
- To lay the foundation stone of democracy in order that the present and
all future generations can never ever lose their human rights;
- To build up the present underdeveloped economy, social and political
state of affairs by relying on the strength of this single-minded desire
of all the citizens of the Union.
5. The State Law and Order Restoration Council promulgated Order 1/88
when it assumed state power and in keeping its understanding to
establish a multi-party democratic system it passed the People's
Parliament Law (13/89) on 30 May, 1989.
6. The National League for Democracy contested in the said elections and
at the same time made the following declaration:-
" The League regards the forthcoming elections as the result of the
people's struggle and sacrifices, loss of many many lives and hardships
suffered by many others. Hence it would contest the elections. "
7. Out of 485 seats in the 27 May 1990 multi-party general elections,
the National League for Democracy gained 392. This was an overwhelming
victory of 82%. The countries of the world recognise this as a very
strong indication of the nation's desire for democracy.
8. This is not only an indication of the electorate's support, love and
trust in the National League for Democracy but also a firm indication
that they believed that the NLD could and would obtain and recover for
them the freedom and the rights that are part and parcel of a democratic
system of government.
9. Immediately after the elections, the foreign diplomats in Rangoon
called at the head office of the National League for Democracy and
offered congratulations on their victory. They firmly believed that the
people had expressed their strong desire for democracy and that the
National League for Democracy had the complete confidence and support of
the people.
10. After the elections, the entire nation including the National
League for Democracy and other democratic organisations in the world
believed that the outcome of this free and fair elections would be
respected and the State Law and Order Restoration Council would abide
by its pledge made before the elections.
11. Instead of consulting and coordinating with the elected
representatives to follow through and implement the repeated promises
and pledges that they had made, the State Law and Order Restoration
Council made untenable excuses to annul and prevent what should have
accrued as a result of the elections.
12. To block the convening of the Parliament and transfer of power to
the National League for Democracy, Declaration 1/90 was made giving the
excuse that a constitution had to be drawn up. Then they expanded the
blockage by giving the responsibility of writing a constitution to a
national convention. The convening of the Parliament was put further and
further back. Under many pretexts, Parliament members-elect were
disqualified and made to resign under duress. Every means was used to
find fault and subjugate the National League for Democracy.
13. These improper actions have caused the critical state of affairs in
Burma today. The political crisis exacerbates a worsening situation of
the economy and the welfare of the nation. To obtain solutions to these
problems, the National League for Democracy has suggested to the
authorities since 1989 that talks between them take place.
14. The National League for Democracy has repeatedly called on the
authorities to hold talks with them to find answers and solve problems
that have resulted in all matters relating to their failure to convene
the Parliament, delays in producing a constitution and the critical
social, political and economic situation. There has been no positive
response.
15. On the 23 June, 1998, the National League for Democracy asked the
authorities to convene the Parliament. It was a valid written notice. As
a consequence the NLD Parliament members-elect have faced the most
demeaning provisions of the law by restricted movement under the 1961
Habitual Criminal Offenders Act.
16. The leaders of the National League for Democracy had a duty to
fulfil and in keeping with the Burmese culture went out to visit and
support those members and their families who were facing much
restrictive movement orders. This they did in a peaceful and quiet
manner using the public roads like ordinary law abiding citizens. The
authorities then put up road blocks and illegally and unjustifiably
prevented them from reaching their destinations. This is a breach of the
Provisions of Section 13 (1) of the terms of the Declaration of Human
Rights to which Burma is a signatory.
17. The journey taken to Minhla township, Pegu Division on 7 July, 1998
and that taken to Pantanaw township, Irrawaddy Division on 20 JulY 1998
ended satisfactorily because both sides cooperated and acted with
dignity. However, because the authorities failed to cooperate, the
journey to Bassein, Irrawaddy Division on 24 July and 12 August , 1998
resulted in the incident on 24 July 1998 where mighty forces was used
and personal assault against the General Secretary of the National
League for Democracy and the members who were travelling with her. The
whole world is aware of this incident.
18. The National League for Democracy dutifully called on the
authorities to convene the Parliament on two occasions viz the 25th
March 1996 and the 23 June, 1998. The authorities have not only failed
to comply but have arrested and taken into custody the Parliament
members-elect and members of the NLD organising committees from the
States, Divisions, townships, wards and villages.
19. Up until the 24 September 1998, a total of 921 are under arrest,
made up as follows:-
Parliament members-elect 200
Organising committee members
(States, Divisions, Towns, Villages, Wards) 721
Other Parliament members-elect from other democratic parties have also
been placed in detention.
20. We salute all those of our members who under various pretexts been
arrested and/or otherwise suffered harassment and threats.
21. Out of respect and deference to the mandate given by the people to
the NLD Parliament members-elect and to members of other parties in the
1990 General Elections, the COMMITTEE REPRESENTING THE PARLIAMENT was
successfully constituted on 16 September 1998 with authority to act from
the majority of elected members.
22. Today, because of the mounting critical problems, the desire for
change towards genuine democracy is growing stronger day by day. It is
absolutely necessary that the Parliament that represents the people be
convened to take the duties of government and to rule in accordance with
law and solve our many problems.
23. The National League for Democracy will join hands with the people
and struggle on till victory be ours.
Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy
Rangoon
25 September 1998
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