SYCB STATEMENT ON 51ST ANNIVERSARY

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Subject: SYCB STATEMENT ON 51ST ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE DAY



Media Release
Date:3rd January 1999


           THE 51ST ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE DAY OF BURMA: 
                            4TH JANUARY 1948
                                    

The 4th January 1999 marks the 51st Anniversary of Independence
Day of Burma from under the British rule.

Burma regained her independence due to the perseverance and
vitality of the entire people of Burma under the leadership of
the national hero General Aung San and the unity of the ethnic
leaders.

It is the duty of the people of Burma to maintain the country's
independence and develop peace and harmony among all
nationalities who have been living in Burma throughout the ages.

Although today marks the 51st anniversary of independence, for
the last 37 years Burma has struggled under the rule of the
military dictatorship. After only 12 years, the parliamentary
democratic system begun in 1948 was torn apart by the so called
patriotic military regime.

On behalf of youth and students in Burma, on the occasion of the
51st Anniversary of Independence, SYCB urges the citizens of
Burma to fully support the National League for Democracy (NLD)
led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and the struggle for the restoration
of democracy and human rights in Burma.

The SYCB also appeals to the international community to continue
its support for the democratization of Burma and recognition of
human rights throughout the coming year 1999.


Students and Youth Congress of Burma
For more information, please contact 01 309 3846