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NLD Annual Statement on 10th Annive



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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