ABSDF: SNPLO Refuses to Withdraw Su

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Media Release
September 29, 1998

Shan Ethnic Cease-fire Group Refuses to Withdraw Support for NLD

Despite mounting pressure from the Burmese military junta, a
cease-fire group in southern Shan State has refused to withdraw
support for the National League for Democracy's (NLD) call to
convene parliament.

The refusal was made in a politely worded letter to the junta
dated September 16 from the Shan Nationalities Peoples'
Liberation Organisation (SNPLO), following the group's meeting
with Burmese military officers in the Shan State capital on
September 4.

The letter, signed by U Takalel, Chairman of the SNPLO, stated
that the group's view of the country's current political
situation could be different to that of the Burmese military.

"Our views are not influenced by any foreign countries or
organisations. We are simply presenting our opinion that there is
an urgent need for the SPDC and democratic forces, including the
NLD and ethnic nationality groups, to solve Burma's political
problems without any pre-conditions."

The group is one of three cease-fire groups that co-signed an
earlier letter urging the Burmese military to enter into dialogue
with the opposition NLD.  The other groups are the Kayan Newland
Party and the Karenni National Peoples' Liberation Front.

This letter, dated August 14, stated that the National
Convention, set up in 1993 by the military to draft a
Constitution, is no longer relevant to the current political
climate in Burma. The groups stated that they believe now is an
opportune time to build a new Union of Burma in which all
nationalities enjoy equal rights and equal representation.

At approximately the same time, several other cease-fire groups,
including the New Mon State Party, sent letters to the Burmese
military stating their support for parliament. However, Burmese
military authorities summoned the representatives of these
cease-fire groups and demanded that they withdraw their letters. 

Many cease-fire groups withdrew their support.  However, the
SNPLO has refused to comply with the demand.  It is not known
whether the two co-signatories of the letter to the SPDC have
also refused to withdraw their support for the NLD.

All Burma Students' Democratic Front 

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